CHP investigates 181 confirmed and 247 asymptomatic additional SARS-CoV-2 virus locally acquired cases with 49 cases pending status by nucleic acid tests and verified 494 cases tested positive by rapid antigen tests as well as 76 imported cases
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Separately, 76 additional imported cases were reported, including 52 cases tested positive by nucleic acid tests (one confirmed case, 45 asymptomatic cases and six cases with pending case status) and 24 cases tested positive by RATs.
Hong Kong has recorded a total of 766 319 and 455 489 cases that have tested positive by nucleic acid tests and RATs respectively for the SARS-CoV-2 virus so far.
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 14), Hong Kong had recorded a total of 19 cases, 292 cases, 28 cases and 56 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 15, a total of 9 179 death cases that had tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus during the fifth wave (since December 31, 2021) were recorded, with 9 101 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 9 392 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 333 833, while the figures for asymptomatic cases, re-positive cases and pending/unknown cases recorded since January 1 were 201 545, 24 and 230 388 respectively.
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/Wednesday, June 15, 2022
Issued at HKT 20:04
Issued at HKT 20:04
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