The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (July 19) announced the latest epidemic situation of COVID-19. As of 0.00am, July 19, the CHP was investigating 3 019 additional locally acquired cases tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, including 1 217 cases tested positive by nucleic acid tests (524 confirmed cases, 608 asymptomatic cases and 85 cases with pending case status) and 1 802 cases tested positive by rapid antigen tests (RATs) verified in the past 24 hours.
     
     Separately, 237 additional imported cases were reported, including 224 cases tested positive by nucleic acid tests (21 confirmed cases, 180 asymptomatic cases and 23 cases with pending case status) and 13 cases tested positive by RATs.

     Hong Kong has recorded a total of 799 128 and 501 900 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 analysis by the DH's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch, as of yesterday (July 18), Hong Kong had recorded a total of 19 cases, 1 321 cases and 1 055 cases carrying the sub-lineages BA.2.12, BA.2.12.1 and BA.4/BA.5 under the Omicron mutant strain respectively (including suspected cases), among which zero, 1 093 and 372 of them are local cases.

     In addition, as of 0.00am, July 19, a total of 9 231 death cases that had tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus during the fifth wave (since December 31, 2021) were recorded, with 9 153 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 9 444 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 346 577, while the figures for asymptomatic cases, re-positive cases and pending/unknown cases recorded since January 1 were 218 069, 24 and 233 017 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/Tuesday, July 19, 2022
Issued at HKT 19:37

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