CHP investigates locally acquired SARS-CoV-2 virus cases with 276 cases tested positive by nucleic acid tests and 1 369 cases by RATs verified as well as 196 imported cases
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Separately, 196 additional imported cases were reported, including 183 cases tested positive by nucleic acid tests (three confirmed cases, 164 asymptomatic cases and 16 cases with pending case status) and 13 cases tested positive by RATs.
Hong Kong has recorded a total of 778 913 and 475 098 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 3), Hong Kong had recorded a total of 19 cases, 668 cases and 422 cases carrying the sub-lineages BA.2.12, BA.2.12.1 and BA.4/BA.5 under the Omicron mutant strain respectively (including suspected cases).
In addition, as of 0.00am, July 4, 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 (i.e. no new reported cases), 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 338 981, while the figures for asymptomatic cases, re-positive cases and pending/unknown cases recorded since January 1 were 208 105, 24 and 231 344 respectively.
The DH 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 the relevant original port of the following airlines from July 5 to 9, owing to:
- Passenger flight (EK384) operated by Emirates arriving in Hong Kong from Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, and Bangkok, Thailand, on July 1 with the number of passengers on board who tested positive upon arrival has reached the specified criterion;
- Passenger flight (TG600) operated by Thai Airways arriving in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, on July 2 with the number of passengers on board who tested positive upon arrival has reached the specified criterion; and
- Passenger flight (QR818) operated by Qatar Airways arriving in Hong Kong from Doha, Qatar, on July 2 with one passenger who failed to comply with the requirements specified under the Cap. 599H which the airline was not able to identify, and the number of passengers on board who tested positive upon arrival has reached the specified criterion. This flight route of Qatar Airways triggered the relevant criterion two times within 10 days.
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/Monday, July 4, 2022
Issued at HKT 20:01
Issued at HKT 20:01
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