CHP investigates locally acquired SARS-CoV-2 virus cases with 4 839 cases tested positive by nucleic acid tests and 22 045 cases by RATs as well as 946 imported cases
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Separately, 946 additional imported cases were reported, including 779 cases that tested positive by nucleic acid tests (161 confirmed cases, 573 asymptomatic cases and 45 cases with pending status) and 167 cases that tested positive by RATs.
Hong Kong has recorded a total of 1 168 276 and 1 428 150 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 the "COVID-19 Thematic Website" (www.coronavirus.gov.hk) for more information.
The CHP has been closely monitoring the situation of positive cases involving mutant strains by genetic analysis. The accumulative figures of cases identified by the DH's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch (PHLSB) as well as the proportion of sub-lineage and BA.4/BA.5 (including suspected cases) of the Omicron mutant strain among the specimens received by the DH's PHLSB for verification testing of local cases are listed in the Annex.
In addition, as of 0.00am, December 30, a total of 11 542 death cases that had tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus during the fifth wave (since December 31, 2021) were recorded, with 11 432 and 106 deaths reported from the Hospital Authority and public mortuaries respectively as well as four deaths reported from private hospitals. Hong Kong has so far recorded a total of 11 755 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 508 800, while the figures for asymptomatic cases, re-positive cases and pending/unknown cases recorded since January 1 were 401 242, 31 and 252 585 respectively.
Following the adjustment of local anti-epidemic measures, the Department of Health has suspended the issuance of the "List of buildings resided by cases tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 virus in the past 7 days" and the "List of flights/trains/ships/vehicles taken by cases tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 virus in the past 7 days".
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 relevant mask requirements 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/Friday, December 30, 2022
Issued at HKT 17:55
Issued at HKT 17:55
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