The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (April 4) announced the latest epidemic situation of COVID-19. As of 0.00am, April 4, the CHP was investigating 1 589 additional cases that tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus by nucleic acid tests (307 confirmed cases, 639 asymptomatic cases and 643 cases with pending case status) in the past 24 hours. Separately, 1 549 additional positive cases through rapid antigen tests (RAT) (827 symptomatic cases and 722 asymptomatic cases) were reported. Hong Kong has recorded a total of 743 595 and 430 965 cases that tested positive by nucleic acid tests and RAT respectively for the SARS-CoV-2 virus so far.

     The aforementioned newly reported cases consist of 12 imported cases and 1 577 locally acquired cases tested positive by nucleic acid tests, as well as 1 549 locally acquired cases tested positive by RAT. The CHP is continuing with epidemiological investigations on the cases. Please refer to the "COVID-19 Thematic Website" (www.coronavirus.gov.hk) for more information.

     In addition, as of 0.00am, April 4, a total of 8 049 deaths that have been tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus during the fifth wave (since December 31, 2021) were recorded, with 7 991 and 56 deaths reported from the Hospital Authority and public mortuaries respectively as well as two deaths reported from the Chinese University of Hong Kong Medical Centre. Hong Kong has so far recorded a total of 8 262 deaths that have been 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 (April 3), the total number of confirmed cases was 305 512, while the figures for asymptomatic cases, re-positive cases, pending/unknown cases recorded since January 1 were 180 163, 10 and 256 321 respectively.
 
     As a passenger flight (KE607) operated by Korean Air from Seoul, Korea, arriving in Hong Kong on April 2 had three passengers who tested positive upon arrival, the DH thus invoked the Prevention and Control of Disease (Regulation of Cross-boundary Conveyances and Travellers) Regulation (Cap. 599H) to prohibit the landing of passenger flights in Hong Kong from Seoul operated by Korean Air from April 4 to 10.

     The spokesman for the CHP stressed that the local situation of COVID-19 infection became severe recently and there is a continuous increase in the number of cases involving mutant strains that carry higher transmissibility. With the higher transmissibility and risk of infection of the Omicron mutant strain, the CHP strongly appeals to the community to continue to comply with the social distancing measures, avoid going out and refrain from participating in unnecessary or crowded activities or gatherings (particularly religious or cross-family activities and gatherings). This would lower the risk of infection and prevent the virus from spreading in the community.

     ​The spokesman reminded 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 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. Meanwhile, a person who gets COVID-19 and influenza at the same time may be more seriously ill and would have a higher risk of death. Influenza vaccination may reduce the likelihood of hospitalisation and the length of stay. In addition, seasonal influenza vaccination is recommended for all persons aged 6 months or above except those with known contraindications. Persons at higher risk of getting influenza and its complications, including the elderly and children, should receive seasonal influenza vaccination early. Please see details of the vaccination schemes on the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/17980.html).

Ends/Monday, April 4, 2022
Issued at HKT 19:55

NNNN