CHP investigates locally acquired SARS-CoV-2 virus cases with 1 439 cases tested positive by nucleic acid tests and 2 344 cases by RATs verified as well as 262 imported cases
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Separately, 262 additional imported cases were reported, including 230 cases tested positive by nucleic acid tests (17 confirmed cases, 164 asymptomatic cases and 49 cases with pending case status) and 32 cases tested positive by RATs.
Hong Kong has recorded a total of 835 893 and 557 434 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.
As of yesterday (August 8), among the specimens received by the DH's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch in the past seven days for verification testing of local cases, about 7.0 per cent and 10.0 per cent of them are related to sub-lineages BA.2.12.1 and BA.4/BA.5 (including suspected cases) under the Omicron mutant strain respectively.
In addition, as of 0.00am, August 9, a total of 9 337 death cases that had tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus during the fifth wave (since December 31, 2021) were recorded, with 9 257 and 77 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 9 550 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 361 486, while the figures for asymptomatic cases, re-positive cases and pending/unknown cases recorded since January 1 were 237 017, 31 and 235 690 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, August 9, 2022
Issued at HKT 19:20
Issued at HKT 19:20
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