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CHP investigates locally acquired SARS-CoV-2 virus cases with 914 cases tested positive by nucleic acid tests and 2 767 cases by RATs as well as 226 imported cases
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     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (October 1) announced the latest epidemic situation of COVID-19. As of 0.00am, October 1, the CHP was investigating 3 681 additional locally acquired cases that tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, comprising 914 cases that tested positive by nucleic acid tests (416 confirmed cases, 408 asymptomatic cases and 90 cases with pending status) and 2 767 cases that tested positive by rapid antigen tests (RATs) in the past 24 hours.

     Separately, 226 additional imported cases were reported, including 209 cases that tested positive by nucleic acid tests (32 confirmed cases, 154 asymptomatic cases and 23 cases with pending status) and 17 cases that tested positive by RATs.

     Hong Kong has recorded a total of 951 643 and 817 668 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 Annex and "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 22 to 28 for verification testing of local cases, about 3.8 per cent and 88.4 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, October 1, a total of 9 954 death cases that had tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus during the fifth wave (since December 31, 2021) were recorded, with 9 869 and 82 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 10 167 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 30), the total number of confirmed cases was 414 696, while the figures for asymptomatic cases, re-positive cases and pending/unknown cases recorded since January 1 were 293 668, 31 and 242 125 respectively.

     The spokesman for the CHP 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 CHP appeals to the community to keep on maintaining personal hygiene and comply with social distancing measures in order to jointly contain the risk of virus transmission. ​​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/Saturday, October 1, 2022
Issued at HKT 16:30
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Annex