As well as the confirmed infections, there are 5,400 preliminary positive cases.
Dr Chuang Shuk-kwan of the Centre for Health Protection said laboratory staff are working longer hours and streamlining work processes to tackle delays in testing.
“In view of the increasing number of specimens and preliminary positive cases, I understand our laboratory has redeployed manpower and tried to streamline all the processes and work long hours to try to meet the demand,” she said.
“Also, we have liaised with the Hospital Authority… There is no need for the Hospital Authority to send their specimens for our confirmation because the quality of their laboratory is very good all along.”
Chuang also said she was not sure how many Covid patients are waiting to be admitted to hospital, but from Wednesday, seven designated clinics will open for infected people.
The clinics are located in Shau Kei Wan, Kennedy Town, San Po Kong, Kowloon Bay, Kwai Chung, Sha Tin and Tin Shui Wai.
A chief manager of the Hospital Authority, Sara Ho, said Covid patients with symptoms such as fever, a sore throat and coughing should call the clinics to make bookings before their visits.
Ho said doctors will decide whether patients should be transferred to hospital for further treatment.
She said the government will arrange designated transport for the patients.
More than 4,000 Covid patients are currently in public hospitals or isolation facilities, Ho added.
Eight of the patients are critically ill.
