CHP investigates locally acquired SARS-CoV-2 virus cases with 2 418 cases tested positive by nucleic acid tests and 6 769 cases by RATs as well as 186 imported cases
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Separately, 186 additional imported cases were reported, including 169 cases that tested positive by nucleic acid tests (nine confirmed cases, 110 asymptomatic cases and 50 cases with pending status) and 17 cases that tested positive by RATs.
Hong Kong has recorded a total of 905 468 and 696 325 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.
The spokesman for the CHP reminded that people who obtain a positive result through an RAT have to report via the online platform "Declaration System for individuals tested positive for COVID-19 using Rapid Antigen Test" (www.chp.gov.hk/ratp) as soon as possible by the reporting deadline. The CHP will not process and follow up those reports made beyond the deadline. Moreover, concerning the requirements of the Vaccine Pass, according to the recommendations by the Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases and the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases under the CHP, joined by the Chief Executive's expert advisory panel, persons who are unsure if they had a previous COVID-19 infection or persons who do not have their recovery record in the DH's system may safely receive the next dose of vaccine no less than 28 days after recovery.
Among the specimens received by the DH's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch during August 28 to September 3 for verification testing of local cases, about 6.1 per cent and 62.5 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, September 6, a total of 9 528 death cases that had tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus during the fifth wave (since December 31, 2021) were recorded, with 9 446 and 79 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 9 741 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 (September 5), the total number of confirmed cases was 392 910, while the figures for asymptomatic cases, re-positive cases and pending/unknown cases recorded since January 1 were 270 409, 31 and 239 531 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/Tuesday, September 6, 2022
Issued at HKT 19:33
Issued at HKT 19:33
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