The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (January 11) announced the latest epidemic situation of COVID-19. As of 0.00am, January 11, the CHP was investigating 9 017 additional locally acquired cases that tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, comprising 1 815 cases that tested positive by nucleic acid tests (716 confirmed cases, 413 asymptomatic cases and 686 cases with pending status) and 7 202 cases that tested positive by rapid antigen tests (RATs) in the past 24 hours.

     Separately, 262 additional imported cases were reported, including 37 cases that tested positive by nucleic acid tests (nine confirmed cases and 28 asymptomatic cases) and 225 cases that tested positive by RATs.

     Hong Kong has recorded a total of 1 200 940 and 1 599 299 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, January 11, a total of 12 335 death cases that had tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus during the fifth wave (since December 31, 2021) were recorded, with 12 219 and 112 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 12 548 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 (January 10), the total number of confirmed cases was 525 866, while the figures for asymptomatic cases, re-positive cases and pending/unknown cases recorded since January 1, 2022, were 414 738, 31 and 258 453 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 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/Wednesday, January 11, 2023
Issued at HKT 16:45

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