CHP investigates additional SARS-CoV-2 virus cases by nucleic acid tests and rapid antigen tests as well as nine imported cases earlier involving Omicron mutant strain sub-lineages BA.2.12 and BA.2.12.1
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The aforementioned newly reported cases consist of 21 imported cases (13 cases and eight cases tested positive by nucleic acid tests and RATs respectively). 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.
Meanwhile, whole genome sequencing analysis by the DH's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch confirmed that one and eight earlier imported cases were found to carry the sub-lineage BA.2.12 and BA.2.12.1 under the Omicron mutant strain respectively. The BA.2.12 case involves a 20-year-old female who arrived in Hong Kong from the United States on May 7 who tested positive on arrival. The BA.2.12.1 cases involve five males and three females aged 19 to 59, who arrived in Hong Kong from the United States and the Netherlands during the period from May 5 to 8. Seven cases tested positive on arrival while the remaining one tested positive during compulsory quarantine at designated quarantine hotel.
Together with the above new cases, Hong Kong has recorded a total of seven imported cases with BA.2.12 and 19 imported cases with BA.2.12.1.
No cases of the sub-lineages were found in the local community so far, and the CHP will continue to closely monitor the latest developments.
In addition, as of 0.00am, May 13, a total of 9 146 death cases that had tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus during the fifth wave (since December 31, 2021) were recorded, with 9 068 and 75 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 9 359 death cases that have 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 (May 12), the total number of confirmed cases was 331 479, while the figures for asymptomatic cases, re-positive cases and pending/unknown cases recorded since January 1 were 197 938, 23 and 230 607 respectively.
The spokesman for the CHP stressed that as the local situation of COVID-19 infection is still severe, the CHP strongly appeals to the community to continue to comply with social distancing measures, avoid going out and refrain from participating in unnecessary or crowded activities or 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.
Ends/Friday, May 13, 2022
Issued at HKT 20:03
Issued at HKT 20:03
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