The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (July 8) announced the latest epidemic situation of COVID-19. As of 0.00am, July 8, the CHP was investigating 2 748 additional locally acquired cases tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, including 1 035 cases tested positive by nucleic acid tests (418 confirmed cases, 457 asymptomatic cases and 160 cases with pending case status) and 1 713 cases tested positive by rapid antigen tests (RATs) verified in the past 24 hours.

     Separately, 197 additional imported cases were reported, including 119 cases tested positive by nucleic acid tests (two confirmed cases and 117 asymptomatic cases) and 78 cases tested positive by RATs.

     Hong Kong has recorded a total of 783 216 and 481 851 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 7), Hong Kong had recorded (including suspected cases) a total of zero locally acquired cases and 19 imported cases carrying the sub-lineage BA.2.12 under the Omicron mutant strain, 561 locally acquired cases and 223 imported cases carrying BA.2.12.1, and 147 locally acquired cases and 483 imported cases carrying BA.4/BA.5.

     In addition, as of 0.00am, July 8, a total of 9 197 death cases that had tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus during the fifth wave (since December 31, 2021) were recorded, with 9 119 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 9 410 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 340 481, while the figures for asymptomatic cases, re-positive cases and pending/unknown cases recorded since January 1 were 209 939, 24 and 231 618 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/Friday, July 8, 2022
Issued at HKT 20:10

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