CHP investigates locally acquired SARS-CoV-2 virus cases with 2 323 cases tested positive by nucleic acid tests and 5 700 cases by RATs as well as 164 imported cases
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     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (September 15) announced the latest epidemic situation of COVID-19. As of 0.00am, September 15, the CHP was investigating 8 023 additional locally acquired cases that tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, comprising 2 323 cases that tested positive by nucleic acid tests (1 061 confirmed cases, 1 008 asymptomatic cases and 254 cases with pending status) and 5 700 cases that tested positive by rapid antigen tests (RATs) in the past 24 hours.

     Separately, 164 additional imported cases were reported, including 148 cases that tested positive by nucleic acid tests (six confirmed cases, 86 asymptomatic cases and 56 cases with pending status) and 16 cases that tested positive by RATs.

     Hong Kong has recorded a total of 927 918 and 754 978 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 September 6 to 12 for verification testing of local cases, about 4.4 per cent and 76.6 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 15, a total of 9 623 death cases that had tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus during the fifth wave (since December 31, 2021) were recorded, with 9 540 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 9 836 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 14), the total number of confirmed cases was 402 986, while the figures for asymptomatic cases, re-positive cases and pending/unknown cases recorded since January 1 were 281 830, 31 and 240 600 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 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 15, 2022
Issued at HKT 18:37

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