The Centre for Health Protection today said it is looking into 5,231 additional locally acquired COVID-19 cases, of which 1,315 were identified through nucleic acid tests and 3,916 via rapid antigen tests.

Separately, 156 imported cases were found and 12 more patients passed away.

Six residential care homes for the elderly and disabled people logged eight virus cases involving their residents.

There were also 552 positive cases, involving 471 students and 81 staff, filed by 391 schools.

In view of the stabilising local epidemic situation, the centre said it will adjust its risk communication strategy. It announced that from September 25, the press briefing on updates of COVID-19 cases will be suspended.

​The Hospital Authority announced that it will resume services, including the Saturday and evening clinic services, of four general out-patient clinics from tomorrow.

The authority's eight designated clinics for COVID-19 confirmed cases and tele-consultations will continue to provide services and support for the patients in the community.

Due to a number of positive cases, 63 specified places are included in a compulsory testing notice. It also covers three specified premises in Tuen Mun and Tin Shui Wai where some sewage samples tested positive for the virus.

The Government will reopen the mobile specimen collection stations at Wah Kwai Estate in Pok Fu Lam, Fu Keung Court in Lok Fu and Cheung Ching Estate in Tsing Yi tomorrow.

Since there were positive sewage test results with relatively high viral loads in several areas in Kwai Tsing, Kwun Tong, Sai Kung and Sha Tin districts, the Housing Department and 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.