The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (June 12) announced the latest epidemic situation of COVID-19. As of 0.00am, June 12, the CHP was investigating 364 additional cases that tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus by nucleic acid tests (134 confirmed cases, 200 asymptomatic cases and 30 cases with pending case status) in the past 24 hours. Separately, 450 positive cases through rapid antigen tests (RATs) were verified. Hong Kong has recorded a total of 765 066 and 454 109 cases that have tested positive by nucleic acid tests and RATs respectively for the SARS-CoV-2 virus so far.

     The aforementioned newly reported cases consist of 106 imported cases (87 cases and 19 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, according to the whole genome sequencing analysis by the DH's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch, as of yesterday (June 11), Hong Kong has recorded a total of 19 cases, 232 cases, 24 cases and 41 cases carrying the sub-lineages BA.2.12, BA.2.12.1, BA.4 and BA.5 under the Omicron mutant strain respectively.

     In addition, as of 0.00am, June 12, a total of 9 177 death cases that had tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus during the fifth wave (since December 31, 2021) were recorded (i.e. no new reported cases), with 9 099 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 9 390 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, the total number of confirmed cases was 333 394, while the figures for asymptomatic cases, re-positive cases and pending/unknown cases recorded since January 1 were 200 926, 24 and 230 358 respectively.

     A passenger flight (TK070) operated by Turkish Airlines arriving in Hong Kong from Istanbul, Turkey, on June 9, had two passengers who failed to comply with the requirements specified under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Regulation of Cross-boundary Conveyances and Travellers) Regulation (Cap. 599H) which the airline was not able to identify, as well as having on board the number of passengers tested positive upon arrival as specified by the relevant criterion. As this flight route of Turkish Airlines triggered the relevant criterion two times within 10 days, the DH thus invoked Cap. 599H to prohibit the landing of passenger flights in Hong Kong from Istanbul operated by Turkish Airlines from June 13 to 17.
 
     The CHP appeals to all airlines operating flights arriving Hong Kong to observe the relevant regulations and conduct rigorous checks against their passengers' compliance of the specified requirements before allowing them to board the flight.

     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/Sunday, June 12, 2022
Issued at HKT 19:35

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