The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (March 2) announced the latest epidemic situation of COVID-19. As of 0.00am, March 2, the CHP was investigating 19 698 additional confirmed cases, 8 694 additional asymptomatic cases and 26 961 cases with pending case status in the past 24 hours (i.e. there were 55 353 additional cases that tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus in those 24 hours). Hong Kong has recorded a total of 293 730 cases that tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus so far.
The newly reported cases consist of 27 imported cases and 55 326 locally acquired cases. The CHP is continuing with epidemiological investigations on the cases.
As at 4pm today, a total of 211 323 cases that tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus had been reported in the past 14 days (February 16 to March 1), including 211 225 locally acquired cases and 98 imported cases. A list of buildings related to the cases is available at the "COVID-19 Thematic Website" (www.coronavirus.gov.hk).
Furthermore, among the earlier cases reported, there were cases (including pending cases) changed to confirmed, asymptomatic or re-positive cases. As at yesterday (March 1), the total number of confirmed cases was 98 722, while the figures for asymptomatic cases, re-positive cases, pending/unknown cases recorded since January 1 were 39 663, 10 and 99 982 respectively.
Also, as a passenger flight (CX796) operated by Cathay Pacific from Jakarta, Indonesia, arriving in Hong Kong on March 1 had 23 passengers who tested positive upon arrival, the DH thus invoked the Prevention and Control of Disease (Regulation of Cross-boundary Conveyances and Travellers) Regulation (Cap. 599H) to prohibit the landing of passenger flights from Jakarta operated by Cathay Pacific in Hong Kong from March 3 to 16.
People with positive or preliminary positive COVID-19 nucleic acid test results will receive an SMS notification about the result, together with a request to fill in an electronic form (www.chp.gov.hk/cdpi) to submit information, including those on family members living in the same household. This is to facilitate the work of the CHP such as epidemiological investigation and arrangement of hospital admission, isolation and quarantine. People who receive the relevant SMS should check the personal information and information on testing in the SMS carefully and fill in the electronic form as soon as possible to provide accurate and complete information.
​​​​The spokesman for the CHP stressed that the local situation of COVID-19 infection became severe recently and there is a continuous increase in the number of cases involving mutant strains that carry higher transmissibility. With the higher transmissibility and risk of infection of the Omicron mutant strain, the CHP strongly appeals to the community to continue to comply with the social distancing measures, avoid going out and refrain from participating in unnecessary or crowded activities or gatherings (particularly religious or cross-family activities and 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 are 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. Meanwhile, a person who gets COVID-19 and influenza at the same time may be more seriously ill and would have a higher risk of death. Influenza vaccination may reduce the likelihood of hospitalisation and the length of stay. In addition, seasonal influenza vaccination is recommended for all persons aged 6 months or above except those with known contraindications. Persons at higher risk of getting influenza and its complications, including the elderly and children, should receive seasonal influenza vaccination early. Please see details of the vaccination schemes on the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/17980.html).
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