The Centre for Health Protection today said it is investigating 9,017 additional locally acquired COVID-19 cases, of which 1,815 were identified through nucleic acid tests and 7,202 via rapid antigen tests.

Separately, 262 imported cases were detected.

Nine residential care homes for the elderly and five for disabled people logged 15 cases involving their residents as well as three infections among the staff.

Meanwhile, there were 1,092 positive cases concerning 937 students and 155 staff filed by 620 schools.

The Hospital Authority reported that 67 patients passed away in public hospitals. According to a preliminary analysis, the cause of death of 35 patients was related to COVID-19, while that of the remaining 32 patients was unrelated.

It also registered 33 more critical patients, bringing the number of patients in critical condition to 207.

Separately, the Government announced that following the relaxation of different anti-epidemic measures, the designated taxi fleet set up by the Government and the taxi industry will cease to operate from January 14.

Launched in February 2022, the taxi fleet has completed over 370,000 trips, ferrying COVID-19 patients between their residences and Hospital Authority designated clinics, private hospitals or other medical/isolation facilities for free.

At present, isolation orders issued by the Centre for Health Protection allow infected people to go out for medical consultation. There is no need for them to inform the health authorities of such occasions.

However, they should wear a well-fitted surgical mask, a KN95/KF94 mask, or a respirator such as an N95 mask during the journey, as well as avoid using crowded public transportation or staying in public areas on the way.

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