Among the new cases, 897 were confirmed through PCR tests, including 13 imported cases. The remaining 1,638 were positive rapid antigen test results reported by citizens.

The tally of the fifth wave of the pandemic outbreak has now exceeded 1.17 million.

Chuang Shuk-kwan from the Centre for Health Protection said the rising positive results indicated that citizens echo the government's three-day voluntary mass testing scheme. Yet, she continued that some citizens uploaded their negative results to the system and reminded them that they need not do so.

Today (Sat) is the second day of the voluntary testing scheme, and the infection numbers confirmed via rapid antigen test increased by 373 compared with Friday's numbers of 1,265.

Chuang also said the center is still mulling suitable arrangements for students taking the coming Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) exams.

She reported that 32 elderly homes and seven care centers for the disabled previously hit by the fifth wave saw 60 more new cases, including 49 residents and 11 workers.

Hospital Authority's chief manager for quality and standards, Lau Ka-hin, reported 62 deaths, pushing the death tally of the wave to 8,492.

Among them, 53 deaths, including 35 men and 18 women aged 58 to 107, were logged in public hospitals yesterday. Thirty-four deceased patients were residents of elderly homes, 34 had no vaccination record, and 48 were elderly aged 65 or above.

The other nine deceased patients, including five men and four women aged between 58 and 96, were reported late due to delayed results.

So far, public hospitals and treatment facilities are housing 9,285 patients. Three patients are in critical condition, 17 are in serious condition, and 66 have been admitted to hospitals' intensive care units.

A total of 1,543 recovered patients have been discharged.