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CHP investigates 25 confirmed and 55 asymptomatic additional SARS-CoV-2 virus cases with 14 cases pending status by nucleic acid tests as well as 96 cases tested positive by rapid antigen tests
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     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (May 23) announced the latest epidemic situation of COVID-19. As of 0.00am, May 23, the CHP was investigating 94 additional cases that tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus by nucleic acid tests (25 confirmed cases, 55 asymptomatic cases and 14 cases with pending case status) in the past 24 hours. Separately, 96 additional positive cases through rapid antigen tests (RATs) (41 symptomatic cases and 55 asymptomatic cases) were reported. Hong Kong has recorded a total of 761 316 and 449 270 cases that have tested positive by nucleic acid tests and RATs respectively for the SARS-CoV-2 virus so far.

     The aforementioned newly reported cases consist of 28 imported cases (25 cases and three cases 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, May 23, a total of 9 157 death cases that had tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus during the fifth wave (since December 31, 2021) were recorded (i.e. no new reported cases), with 9 079 and 75 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 9 370 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 (May 22), the total number of confirmed cases was 332 005, while the figures for asymptomatic cases, re-positive cases and pending/unknown cases recorded since January 1 were 198 687, 23 and 230 507 respectively.
 
     As the passenger flight (TK070) operated by Turkish Airlines arriving in Hong Kong from Istanbul, Turkey, on May 21 had two passengers who failed to comply with the requirements specified under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Regulation of Cross-boundary Conveyances and Travellers) Regulation (Cap. 599H), as well as four passengers who tested positive upon arrival, the DH thus invoked Cap. 599H to prohibit the landing of passenger flights in Hong Kong from Istanbul operated by Turkish Airlines from May 24 to 28.

     The spokesman for the CHP stressed that as the local situation of COVID-19 infection is still severe, the CHP strongly appeals to the community to continue to comply with social distancing measures, avoid going out and refrain from participating in unnecessary or crowded activities or 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.
 
Ends/Monday, May 23, 2022
Issued at HKT 19:23
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