(To watch the full press briefing with sign language interpretation, click here.)

The Centre for Health Protection today said it is investigating 39 additional COVID-19 cases, of which 38 are locally transmitted.

Among the local cases, 20 have unknown sources of infection.

At a press briefing this afternoon, the centre's Communicable Disease Branch Head Dr Chuang Shuk-kwan said it needed to determine whether the virus was being spread through some buildings vertically or horizontally.

“I understand that not only Laguna City (in Lam Tin but also) many buildings in Hong Kong have various construction designs that may contribute to the spread of the (COVID-19) infection through the environment.

“So what we can do is observe all these buildings and the spread (of the virus), and (determine) whether there is any vertical or horizontal spread. Actually, in a few buildings we did find some horizontal spread and we have, in fact, (evacuated) some of the residents nearby. (We) consider them as close contacts (and have sent them) to quarantine camps."

Block 7 of Laguna City is now covered by the compulsory testing notice.

The Government will set up a mobile specimen collection station at Sai Tso Wan Neighbourhood Community Centre in Kwun Tong tomorrow.

To cater for the needs of residents who live far from the testing services, it will also provide free testing to residents on a voluntary basis at the mobile specimen collection stations to be set up at Wang Toi Shan Playground in Pat Heung from January 29 to 30 and Kam Tin Rural Committee from January 31 to February 1.

For information and health advice on COVID-19, visit the Government's dedicated webpage.