The Centre for Health Protection today said it is investigating 4,930 additional locally acquired COVID-19 cases, of which 1,297 were identified through nucleic acid tests and 3,633 via rapid antigen tests.

Separately, 476 imported cases were detected.

Furthermore, four residential care homes for the elderly and four for disabled people logged 10 cases involving their residents and staff.

Meanwhile, there were 1,367 positive cases concerning 1,161 students and 206 staff filed by 661 schools. As a result, 17 classes and one extracurricular activities group from 17 schools were advised to suspend face-to-face lessons for seven days.

In addition to reporting that seven patients passed away in public hospitals due to the coronavirus, the Hospital Authority registered five more critical patients, bringing the number of patients in critical condition to 32.

Due to a number of positive cases, 40 specified places are included in a compulsory testing notice. It also covers another place in Sau Mau Ping where some sewage samples tested positive for the virus.

The Government will reopen the ad-hoc mobile specimen collection stations at Wah Fu (I) Estate in Pok Fu Lam, Shek Pai Wan Estate in Southern District and Lei Muk Shue Estate in Tsuen Wan tomorrow.

As there were positive sewage test results with relatively high viral loads in several areas of Sham Shui Po, Kwun Tong 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.