CHP investigates additional SARS-CoV-2 virus cases by nucleic acid tests and rapid antigen tests as well as 11 imported cases earlier involving Omicron mutant strain sub-lineages BA.4 and BA.2.12.1
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The aforementioned newly reported cases consist of 38 imported cases (34 cases and four 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 10 earlier imported cases were found to carry the sub-lineages BA.4 and BA.2.12.1 under the Omicron mutant strain respectively. The BA.4 case involves a 27-year-old female who arrived in Hong Kong from South Africa on May 15 who tested positive on arrival. The BA.2.12.1 cases involve five males and five females aged 19 to 67, who arrived in Hong Kong from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Qatar during the period from May 9 to 15. Nine cases tested positive on arrival while the remaining one tested positive during compulsory quarantine at a designated quarantine hotel. Together with the above new cases, Hong Kong has recorded a total of nine imported cases with BA.4 and 35 imported cases with BA.2.12.1. No cases of the sub-lineages have been 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 19, a total of 9 153 death cases that had tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus during the fifth wave (since December 31, 2021) were recorded, with 9 075 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 9 366 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 18), the total number of confirmed cases was 331 811, while the figures for asymptomatic cases, re-positive cases and pending/unknown cases recorded since January 1 were 198 455, 23 and 230 519 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/Thursday, May 19, 2022
Issued at HKT 19:27
Issued at HKT 19:27
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