The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (August 26) announced the latest epidemic situation of COVID-19. As of 0.00am, August 26, the CHP was investigating 7 665 additional locally acquired cases that tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, comprising 2 208 cases that tested positive by nucleic acid tests (1 056 confirmed cases, 938 asymptomatic cases and 214 cases with pending status) and 5 457 cases that tested positive by rapid antigen tests (RATs) verified in the past 24 hours.

     Separately, 170 additional imported cases were reported, including 138 cases that tested positive by nucleic acid tests (22 confirmed cases, 93 asymptomatic cases and 23 cases with pending status) and 32 cases that tested positive by RATs.

     Hong Kong has recorded a total of 873 450 and 622 357 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 of the cases. Please refer to the "COVID-19 Thematic Website" (www.coronavirus.gov.hk) for more information.

     Among the specimens received by the DH's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch during August 17 to 23 for verification testing of local cases, about 8.3 per cent and 38.3 per cent of them (seven-day moving average) are related to the sub-lineages BA.2.12.1 and BA.4/BA.5 (including suspected cases) of the Omicron mutant strain respectively.

     In addition, as of 0.00am, August 26, a total of 9 437 death cases that had tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus during the fifth wave (since December 31, 2021) were recorded, with 9 356 and 78 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 9 650 death cases that 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 (August 25), the total number of confirmed cases was 378 210, while the figures for asymptomatic cases, re-positive cases and pending/unknown cases recorded since January 1 were 254 887, 31 and 237 976 respectively.

     The spokesman for the CHP stressed that the local situation of COVID-19 infection is severe with the number of cases tested positive growing at an increased pace. The CHP strongly appeals to the community to strictly comply with social distancing measures and refrain from participating in unnecessary or crowded activities or mass gatherings. This would lower the risk of infection and prevent the virus from spreading in the community.

     ​The spokesman reminded the public 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, children, 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/Friday, August 26, 2022
Issued at HKT 19:15

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