CHP investigates 185 confirmed and 201 asymptomatic additional SARS-CoV-2 virus locally acquired cases with 37 cases pending status by nucleic acid tests and verified 662 cases tested positive by rapid antigen tests as well as 94 imported cases
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     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (June 16) announced the latest epidemic situation of COVID-19. As of 0.00am, June 16, the CHP was investigating 1 085 additional locally acquired cases tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, including 423 cases tested positive by nucleic acid tests (185 confirmed cases, 201 asymptomatic cases and 37 cases with pending case status) and verified 662 cases tested positive by rapid antigen tests (RATs) in the past 24 hours.

     Separately, 94 additional imported cases were reported, including 63 cases tested positive by nucleic acid tests (six confirmed cases and 57 asymptomatic cases) and 31 cases tested positive by RATs.

     Hong Kong has recorded a total of 766 805 and 456 182 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 15), Hong Kong had recorded a total of 19 cases, 303 cases, 28 cases and 57 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 16, 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 (i.e. no new reported cases), 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 334 024, while the figures for asymptomatic cases, re-positive cases and pending/unknown cases recorded since January 1 were 201 860, 24 and 230 411 respectively.

     A passenger flight (LH796) operated by Lufthansa German Airlines arriving in Hong Kong from Frankfurt, Germany, on June 13 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) which the airline was not able to identify, as well as having on board the number of passengers tested positive upon arrival as specified by the relevant criterion. As this flight route of Lufthansa German Airlines triggered the relevant criterion two times within 10 days, the DH thus invoked Cap. 599H to prohibit the landing of passenger flights in Hong Kong from Frankfurt operated by Lufthansa German Airlines from June 17 to 21.

     The CHP appeals to all airlines operating flights arriving in Hong Kong to observe the relevant regulations and conduct rigorous checks of their passengers' compliance with the specified requirements before allowing them to board the flight.

     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/Thursday, June 16, 2022
Issued at HKT 20:00

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