The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (June 29) announced the latest epidemic situation of COVID-19. As of 0.00am, June 29, the CHP was investigating 1 849 additional locally acquired cases tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, including 788 cases tested positive by nucleic acid tests (354 confirmed cases, 354 asymptomatic cases and 80 cases with pending case status) and 1 061 cases tested positive by rapid antigen tests (RATs) verified in the past 24 hours.

     Separately, 155 additional imported cases were reported, including 116 cases tested positive by nucleic acid tests (three confirmed cases, 87 asymptomatic cases and 26 cases with pending case status) and 39 cases tested positive by RATs.

     Hong Kong has recorded a total of 775 236 and 468 203 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 analysis by the DH's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch, as of yesterday (June 28), Hong Kong had recorded a total of 19 cases, 566 cases, 34 cases and 69 cases carrying the sub-lineages BA.2.12, BA.2.12.1, BA.4 and BA.5 under the Omicron mutant strain respectively (including suspected cases).

     In addition, as of 0.00am, June 29, a total of 9 186 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 9 108 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 9 399 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 337 328, while the figures for asymptomatic cases, re-positive cases and pending/unknown cases recorded since January 1 were 206 038, 24 and 230 942 respectively.
 
     As the number of passengers who tested positive upon arrival of a passenger flight (CX845) operated by Cathay Pacific arriving in Hong Kong from New York, the United States, on June 27 has reached the specified criterion, 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 New York operated by Cathay Pacific from July 1 to 5.

     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 29, 2022
Issued at HKT 19:35

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