Local health experts have warned of a rebound in coronavirus cases just weeks before Hong Kong celebrates the 25th anniversary of its return to Chinese rule, urging the elderly, especially care homes residents, to receive Covid-19 shots as soon as possible.

The warning came as health officials logged 543 new Covid-19 cases, including 86 imported ones, on Monday. No deaths related to the virus were recorded. Hong Kong’s Covid-19 tally stood at 1,215,696 with 9,386 related deaths.

Authorities also confirmed a significant increase in the number of infections at schools, with 204 cases reported at 147 schools.