The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (June 22) announced the latest epidemic situation of COVID-19. As of 0.00am, June 22, the CHP was investigating 1 323 additional locally acquired cases tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, including 583 cases tested positive by nucleic acid tests (268 confirmed cases, 274 asymptomatic cases and 41 cases with pending case status) and verified 740 cases tested positive by rapid antigen tests (RATs) in the past 24 hours.

     Separately, 124 additional imported cases were reported, including 101 cases tested positive by nucleic acid tests (four confirmed cases, 86 asymptomatic cases and 11 cases with pending case status) and 23 cases tested positive by RATs.

     Hong Kong has recorded a total of 770 078 and 460 578 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 21), Hong Kong had recorded a total of 19 cases, 426 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 22, a total of 9 184 death cases that had tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus during the fifth wave (since December 31, 2021) were recorded, with 9 106 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 9 397 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 335 238, while the figures for asymptomatic cases, re-positive cases and pending/unknown cases recorded since January 1 were 203 557, 24 and 230 575 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.

     ýÿýÿThe 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/Wednesday, June 22, 2022
Issued at HKT 19:47

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