The Centre for Health Protection today said it is investigating 3,684 additional locally acquired COVID-19 cases, of which 905 were identified through nucleic acid tests and 2,779 via rapid antigen tests.

Separately, 109 imported cases were detected.

Furthermore, 13 residential care homes for the elderly and two for disabled people logged 23 cases involving their residents and two staff infections.

There were also 430 positive cases concerning 373 students and 57 staff filed by 319 schools.

The Hospital Authority (HA) reported that 56 patients passed away in public hospitals. According to a preliminary analysis, the cause of death of 36 patients was related to COVID-19, while that of the remaining 20 patients was unrelated.

It also registered 17 more critical patients, bringing the number of patients in critical condition to 175.

The authority also announced that in response to the epidemic developments and service demand, 11 general outpatient clinics will resume some earlier suspended services, including Sunday, public holiday and evening clinic services from January 20.

The existing seven HA designated clinics for COVID-19 confirmed cases and tele-consultation services will continue.

As there were positive sewage test results with relatively high viral loads in several areas of Wong Tai Sin and Tsuen Wan, 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.