The Centre for Health Protection today said it is investigating 8,830 additional locally acquired COVID-19 cases, of which 2,016 were identified through nucleic acid tests and 6,814 via rapid antigen tests.

Separately, 657 imported cases were detected.

Ten residential care homes for the elderly and four for disabled people logged 34 cases involving their residents as well as five infections among staff.

In addition to reporting that 16 patients passed away in public hospitals due to the coronavirus, the Hospital Authority registered 19 more critical patients, bringing the number in critical condition to 65.

Due to a number of positive cases, 47 specified places are included in a compulsory testing notice. It also covers another four places in Shau Kei Wan, Ma On Shan, Tseung Kwan O and Tin Shui Wai where some sewage samples tested positive for the virus.

The Government will reopen the ad-hoc mobile specimen collection stations at Ka Lung Court in Tin Wan, Park Island in Ma Wan, Bellagio in Sham Tseng and Hung Fuk Estate in Hung Shui Kiu tomorrow.

A new regular community testing station will also be set up at the basketball court next to Wang Lai House of Wang Tau Hom Estate from tomorrow for testing by the people of Lok Fu and Kowloon Tong.

As there were positive sewage test results with relatively high viral loads in several areas of Tsuen Wan and Sha Tin, respective district offices will distribute COVID-19 rapid test kits to relevant residents as well as cleaning workers and property management staff working there.

For information and health advice on COVID-19, visit the Government’s dedicated webpage.