CHP investigates 82 confirmed and 132 asymptomatic additional SARS-CoV-2 virus cases with 17 cases pending status by nucleic acid tests as well as verified 258 cases tested positive by rapid antigen tests
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As of 0.00am, June 7, the CHP was investigating 231 additional cases that tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus by nucleic acid tests (82 confirmed cases, 132 asymptomatic cases and 17 cases with pending case status) in the past 24 hours. Separately, 258 positive cases through RATs were verified. Hong Kong has recorded a total of 763 462 and 452 473 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 52 imported cases (45 cases and seven 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.
Meanwhile, according to the whole genome sequencing analysis by the DH's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch, as of yesterday (June 6), Hong Kong has recorded a total of 18 cases, 124 cases, 18 cases and 24 cases carrying the sub-lineages BA.2.12, BA.2.12.1, BA.4 and BA.5 under the Omicron mutant strain respectively.
In addition, as of 0.00am, June 7, a total of 9 176 death cases that had tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus during the fifth wave (since December 31, 2021) were recorded, with 9 098 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 9 389 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, the total number of confirmed cases was 332 801, while the figures for asymptomatic cases, re-positive cases and pending/unknown cases recorded since January 1 were 200 133, 24 and 230 273 respectively.
A passenger flight (QR818) operated by Qatar Airways arriving in Hong Kong from Doha, Qatar, on June 4, had one passenger 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 three passengers who tested positive upon arrival. As the flight triggered the relevant criterion again within 10 days, the DH thus invoked Cap. 599H to prohibit the landing of passenger flights in Hong Kong from Doha operated by Qatar Airways from June 7 to 11.
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/Tuesday, June 7, 2022
Issued at HKT 21:10
Issued at HKT 21:10
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