CHP investigates locally acquired SARS-CoV-2 virus cases with 2 682 cases tested positive by nucleic acid tests and 7 187 cases by RATs as well as 152 imported cases
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Separately, 152 additional imported cases were reported, including 134 cases that tested positive by nucleic acid tests (11 confirmed cases, 94 asymptomatic cases and 29 cases with pending status) and 18 cases that tested positive by RATs.
Hong Kong has recorded a total of 902 881 and 689 539 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.
Among the specimens received by the DH's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch during August 27 to September 2 for verification testing of local cases, about 6.0 per cent and 60.7 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) of the Omicron mutant strain respectively.
In addition, as of 0.00am, September 5, a total of 9 519 death cases that had tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus during the fifth wave (since December 31, 2021) were recorded, with 9 437 and 79 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 9 732 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 (September 4), the total number of confirmed cases was 391 619, while the figures for asymptomatic cases, re-positive cases and pending/unknown cases recorded since January 1 were 269 062, 31 and 239 353 respectively.
The spokesman for the CHP stressed that the local situation of COVID-19 infection is severe with the number of cases tested positive growing at an increased pace. The CHP strongly appeals to the community to strictly comply with social distancing measures and refrain from participating in unnecessary or crowded activities or mass 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, children, 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, September 5, 2022
Issued at HKT 19:32
Issued at HKT 19:32
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