The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (July 21) announced the latest epidemic situation of COVID-19. As of 0.00am, July 21, the CHP was investigating 4 076 additional locally acquired cases tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, including 1 496 cases tested positive by nucleic acid tests (665 confirmed cases, 690 asymptomatic cases and 141 cases with pending case status) and 2 580 cases tested positive by rapid antigen tests (RATs) verified in the past 24 hours.

     Separately, 299 additional imported cases were reported, including 287 cases tested positive by nucleic acid tests (17 confirmed cases, 216 asymptomatic cases and 54 cases with pending case status) and 12 cases tested positive by RATs.

     Hong Kong has recorded a total of 802 577 and 506 631 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 20), Hong Kong had recorded a total of 19 cases, 1 441 cases and 1 180 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, 1 212 and 470 of them are local cases.

     In addition, as of 0.00am, July 21, a total of 9 235 death cases that had tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus during the fifth wave (since December 31, 2021) were recorded, with 9 157 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 9 448 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 347 859, while the figures for asymptomatic cases, re-positive cases and pending/unknown cases recorded since January 1 were 219 703, 24 and 233 208 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, July 21, 2022
Issued at HKT 19:30

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