The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (June 18) announced the latest epidemic situation of COVID-19. As of 0.00am, June 18, the CHP was investigating 1 160 additional locally acquired cases tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, including 436 cases tested positive by nucleic acid tests (180 confirmed cases, 185 asymptomatic cases and 71 cases with pending case status) and verified 724 cases tested positive by rapid antigen tests (RATs) in the past 24 hours.
     
     Separately, 116 additional imported cases were reported, including 93 cases tested positive by nucleic acid tests (seven confirmed cases and 86 asymptomatic cases) and 23 cases tested positive by RATs.

     Hong Kong has recorded a total of 767 819 and 457 589 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 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 17), Hong Kong had recorded a total of 19 cases, 357 cases, 34 cases and 67 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 18, a total of 9 180 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 9 102 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 9 393 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 334 412, while the figures for asymptomatic cases, re-positive cases and pending/unknown cases recorded since January 1 were 202 420, 24 and 230 434 respectively.
     
     As the number of passengers who tested positive upon arrival of a passenger flight (JL735) operated by Japan Airlines arriving in Hong Kong from Tokyo, Japan, on June 16, has reached the specified criterion, 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 Tokyo operated by Japan Airlines from June 19 to 23.
     
     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/Saturday, June 18, 2022
Issued at HKT 20:08

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