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CHP investigates locally acquired SARS-CoV-2 virus cases with 2 825 cases tested positive by nucleic acid tests and 8 085 cases by RATs as well as 181 imported cases
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     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (September 8) announced the latest epidemic situation of COVID-19. As of 0.00am, September 8, the CHP was investigating 10 910 additional locally acquired cases that tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, comprising 2 825 cases that tested positive by nucleic acid tests (1 270 confirmed cases, 1 325 asymptomatic cases and 230 cases with pending status) and 8 085 cases that tested positive by rapid antigen tests (RATs) in the past 24 hours.

     Separately, 181 additional imported cases were reported, including 167 cases that tested positive by nucleic acid tests (nine confirmed cases, 86 asymptomatic cases and 72 cases with pending status) and 14 cases that tested positive by RATs.

     Hong Kong has recorded a total of 911 522 and 711 556 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 30 to September 5 for verification testing of local cases, about 5.9 per cent and 65.4 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 8, a total of 9 556 death cases that had tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus during the fifth wave (since December 31, 2021) were recorded, with 9 473 and 80 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 9 769 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 7), the total number of confirmed cases was 395 408, while the figures for asymptomatic cases, re-positive cases and pending/unknown cases recorded since January 1 were 273 243, 31 and 239 848 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.

     β€‹β€‹β€‹β€‹The spokesman said 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.
 
     The spokesman reminded members of the public that they can call various hotlines to make enquiries on COVID-19 (www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/index.html#hotline).
 
Ends/Thursday, September 8, 2022
Issued at HKT 19:10
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