The Centre for Health Protection today said it is investigating 15,341 additional locally acquired COVID-19 cases, of which 2,293 were identified through nucleic acid tests and 13,048 via rapid antigen tests.

Separately, 509 imported cases were detected.

Twenty-three residential care homes for the elderly and four for disabled people logged 36 cases involving their residents as well as one infection among the staff.

The Hospital Authority reported that 72 patients passed away in public hospitals. According to a preliminary analysis, the cause of death of 33 patients was related to COVID-19, while that of the remaining 39 patients was unrelated.

It also registered 46 more critical patients, bringing the number of patients in critical condition to 219.

As there were positive sewage test results with relatively high viral loads in several areas of Yuen Long, Tsuen Wan and Yau Tsim Mong 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.