The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (April 16) announced the latest epidemic situation of COVID-19. As of 0.00am, April 16, the CHP was investigating 449 additional cases that tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus by nucleic acid tests (40 confirmed cases, 70 asymptomatic cases and 339 cases with pending case status) in the past 24 hours. Separately, 345 additional positive cases through rapid antigen tests (RAT) (160 symptomatic cases and 185 asymptomatic cases) were reported. Hong Kong has recorded a total of 754 788 and 442 290 cases that tested positive by nucleic acid tests and RATs respectively for the SARS-CoV-2 virus so far.

     The aforementioned newly reported cases consist of 12 imported cases (11 cases and one case tested positive by nucleic acid tests and RATs respectively). The CHP is continuing with epidemiological investigations on the cases. Please refer to the "COVID-19 Thematic Website" (www.coronavirus.gov.hk) for more information.

     In addition, as of 0.00am, April 16, a total of 8 897 death cases that have tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus during the fifth wave (since December 31, 2021) were recorded, with 8 838 and 56 deaths reported from the Hospital Authority and public mortuaries respectively as well as three deaths reported from the Chinese University of Hong Kong Medical Centre. Hong Kong has so far recorded a total of 9 110 death cases that have tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

     Furthermore, among the earlier cases by nucleic acid tests reported, there were cases (including pending cases) changed to confirmed, asymptomatic or re-positive cases. As at yesterday (April 15), the total number of confirmed cases was 309 146, while the figures for asymptomatic cases, re-positive cases and pending/unknown cases recorded since January 1 were 184 748, 10 and 260 435 respectively.

     As a passenger flight (KL819) operated by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines arriving in Hong Kong from Amsterdam, the Netherlands on April 15 had four passengers who tested positive upon arrival, and a passenger flight (CX865) operated by Cathay Pacific from Vancouver, Canada, arriving in Hong Kong on the same day had three passengers who tested positive upon arrival, the DH thus invoked the Prevention and Control of Disease (Regulation of Cross-boundary Conveyances and Travellers) Regulation (Cap. 599H) to prohibit the landing of passenger flights in Hong Kong from Amsterdam operated by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, as well as from Vancouver operated by Cathay Pacific from April 17 to 23.

     The spokesman for the CHP stressed that the local situation of COVID-19 infection is still severe, the CHP strongly appeals to the community to continue to comply with the social distancing measures, avoid going out and refrain from participating in unnecessary or crowded activities or gatherings (particularly religious or cross-family activities and gatherings). This would lower the risk of infection and prevent the virus from spreading in the community.

     ​The spokesman reminded that COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective in preventing severe cases and deaths from the SARS-CoV-2 virus. They can provide effective protection to those vaccinated in preventing serious complications and even death after infection. People who have yet to receive vaccination, especially senior citizens, chronic patients and other immunocompromised persons who face a higher chance of death after COVID-19 infection, should get vaccinated as early as possible for self-protection and to reduce the risk of falling seriously ill and death should they get infected. Meanwhile, a person who gets COVID-19 and influenza at the same time may be more seriously ill and would have a higher risk of death. Influenza vaccination may reduce the likelihood of hospitalisation and the length of stay. In addition, seasonal influenza vaccination is recommended for all persons aged 6 months or above except those with known contraindications. Persons at higher risk of getting influenza and its complications, including the elderly and children, should receive seasonal influenza vaccination early. Please see details of the vaccination schemes on the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/17980.html).

Ends/Saturday, April 16, 2022
Issued at HKT 19:20

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