The Centre for Health Protection today said it is looking into 17,636 additional locally acquired COVID-19 cases, of which 3,787 were identified through nucleic acid tests and 13,849 via rapid antigen tests.

Separately, 990 imported cases were detected.

Thirty-two residential care homes for the elderly and 21 for disabled people logged 78 cases involving their residents as well as 16 infections among staff.

In addition to reporting that 53 patients passed away in public hospitals due to the coronavirus, the authority registered 15 more critical patients, bringing the number of patients in critical condition to 171.

As there were positive sewage test results with relatively high viral loads in several areas of Tuen Mun, Sha Tin and North districts, the 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.