The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (July 11) announced the latest epidemic situation of COVID-19. As of 0.00am, July 11, the CHP was investigating 2 611 additional locally acquired cases tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, including 1 066 cases tested positive by nucleic acid tests (375 confirmed cases, 476 asymptomatic cases and 215 cases with pending case status) and 1 545 cases tested positive by rapid antigen tests (RATs) verified in the past 24 hours.

     Separately, 252 additional imported cases were reported, including 199 cases tested positive by nucleic acid tests (10 confirmed cases, 164 asymptomatic cases and 25 cases with pending case status) and 53 cases tested positive by RATs.

     Hong Kong has recorded a total of 787 142 and 486 775 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 10), Hong Kong had recorded a total of 19 cases, 895 cases and 753 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), among which zero, 668 and 181 of them are local cases.

     In addition, as of 0.00am, July 11, a total of 9 206 death cases that had tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus during the fifth wave (since December 31, 2021) were recorded, with 9 128 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 9 419 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 341 974, while the figures for asymptomatic cases, re-positive cases and pending/unknown cases recorded since January 1 were 211 896, 24 and 231 983 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/Monday, July 11, 2022
Issued at HKT 19:30

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