The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (August 20) announced the latest epidemic situation of COVID-19. As of 0.00am, August 20, the CHP was investigating 6 210 additional locally acquired cases that tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, comprising 2 093 cases that tested positive by nucleic acid tests (989 confirmed cases, 966 asymptomatic cases and 138 cases with pending status) and 4 117 cases that tested positive by rapid antigen tests (RATs) verified in the past 24 hours.

     Separately, 179 additional imported cases were reported, including 149 cases that tested positive by nucleic acid tests (14 confirmed cases, 93 asymptomatic cases and 42 cases with pending status) and 30 cases that tested positive by RATs.

     Hong Kong has recorded a total of 857 485 and 594 240 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 of the cases. Please refer to the "COVID-19 Thematic Website" (www.coronavirus.gov.hk) for more information.

     As of yesterday (August 19), among the specimens received by the DH's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch for verification testing of local cases, about 8.2 per cent and 26.2 per cent of them (seven-day moving average) are related to the sub-lineages BA.2.12.1 and BA.4/BA.5 (including suspected cases) under the Omicron mutant strain respectively.

     In addition, as of 0.00am, August 20, a total of 9 389 death cases that had tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus during the fifth wave (since December 31, 2021) were recorded, with 9 308 and 78 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 9 602 death cases that 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 370 996, while the figures for asymptomatic cases, re-positive cases and pending/unknown cases recorded since January 1 were 247 205, 31 and 237 011 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 the public 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, August 20, 2022
Issued at HKT 19:40

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