The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (July 22) announced the latest epidemic situation of COVID-19. As of 0.00am, July 22, the CHP was investigating 4 090 additional locally acquired cases tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, including 1 522 cases tested positive by nucleic acid tests (707 confirmed cases, 667 asymptomatic cases and 148 cases with pending case status) and 2 568 cases tested positive by rapid antigen tests (RATs) verified in the past 24 hours.

     Separately, 180 additional imported cases were reported, including 159 cases tested positive by nucleic acid tests (11 confirmed cases, 116 asymptomatic cases and 32 cases with pending case status) and 21 cases tested positive by RATs.

     Hong Kong has recorded a total of 804 258 and 509 220 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 21), Hong Kong had recorded a total of 19 cases, 1 622 cases and 1 373 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, 1 388 and 523 of them are local cases.

     In addition, as of 0.00am, July 22, a total of 9 241 death cases that had tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus during the fifth wave (since December 31, 2021) were recorded, with 9 163 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 9 454 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 348 580, while the figures for asymptomatic cases, re-positive cases and pending/unknown cases recorded since January 1 were 220 652, 24 and 233 321 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 22, 2022
Issued at HKT 19:25

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