The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (July 2) announced the latest epidemic situation of COVID-19. As of 0.00am, July 2, the CHP was investigating 2 084 additional locally acquired cases tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, including 714 cases tested positive by nucleic acid tests (267 confirmed cases, 256 asymptomatic cases and 191 cases with pending case status) and 1 370 cases tested positive by rapid antigen tests (RATs) verified in the past 24 hours.

     Separately, 143 additional imported cases were reported, including 126 cases tested positive by nucleic acid tests (four confirmed cases, 108 asymptomatic cases and 14 cases with pending case status) and 17 cases tested positive by RATs.

     Hong Kong has recorded a total of 777 911 and 472 431 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 (July 1), Hong Kong had recorded a total of 19 cases, 599 cases, 35 cases and 75 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, July 2, a total of 9 192 death cases that had tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus during the fifth wave (since December 31, 2021) were recorded, with 9 114 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 9 405 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 338 408, while the figures for asymptomatic cases, re-positive cases and pending/unknown cases recorded since January 1 were 207 431, 24 and 231 208 respectively.
 
     As the number of passengers who tested positive upon arrival of a passenger flight (TK070) operated by Turkish Airlines arriving in Hong Kong from Istanbul, Turkey, on June 30 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 Istanbul operated by Turkish Airlines from July 3 to 7.

     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/Saturday, July 2, 2022
Issued at HKT 16:30

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