The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (June 21) announced the latest epidemic situation of COVID-19. As of 0.00am, June 21, the CHP was investigating 1 076 additional locally acquired cases tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, including 429 cases tested positive by nucleic acid tests (214 confirmed cases, 171 asymptomatic cases and 44 cases with pending case status) and verified 647 cases tested positive by rapid antigen tests (RATs) in the past 24 hours.

     Separately, 122 additional imported cases were reported, including 98 cases tested positive by nucleic acid tests (three confirmed cases, 76 asymptomatic cases and 19 cases with pending case status) and 24 cases tested positive by RATs.

     Hong Kong has recorded a total of 769 394 and 459 815 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 (June 20), Hong Kong had recorded a total of 19 cases, 412 cases, 34 cases and 69 cases carrying the sub-lineages BA.2.12, BA.2.12.1, BA.4 and BA.5 under the Omicron mutant strain respectively (including suspected cases).

     In addition, as of 0.00am, June 21, a total of 9 183 death cases that had tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus during the fifth wave (since December 31, 2021) were recorded (i.e. no new reported cases), with 9 105 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 9 396 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 335 009, while the figures for asymptomatic cases, re-positive cases and pending/unknown cases recorded since January 1 were 203 290, 24 and 230 544 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.

     ýÿThe 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, June 21, 2022
Issued at HKT 19:25

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