The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (May 7) announced the latest epidemic situation of COVID-19. As of 0.00am, May 7, the CHP was investigating 115 additional cases that tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus by nucleic acid tests (40 confirmed cases, 61 asymptomatic cases and 14 cases with pending case status) in the past 24 hours. Separately, 163 additional positive cases through rapid antigen tests (RATs) (100 symptomatic cases and 63 asymptomatic cases) were reported. Hong Kong has recorded a total of 759 431 and 446 888 cases that have tested positive by nucleic acid tests and RATs respectively for the SARS-CoV-2 virus so far.
The aforementioned newly reported cases consist of 18 imported cases (17 cases and one case tested positive by nucleic acid tests and RATs respectively). 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, whole genome sequencing analysis by the DH's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch confirmed that one and two earlier imported cases were found to carry the sub-lineage BA.2.12 and BA.2.12.1 under the Omicron mutant strain respectively. These imported cases, involving one male and two females aged 17 to 36, arrived in Hong Kong from the United States and Canada during the period from April 30 to May 3. All cases tested positive on arrival. Together with these three new cases, Hong Kong has recorded a total of 13 relevant cases and all of them are imported cases. No cases of the sub-lineages was found in the local community so far and the CHP will continue to closely monitor the latest developments.
In addition, as of 0.00am, May 7, a total of 9 131 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 case), with 9 053 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 9 344 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 (May 6), the total number of confirmed cases was 331 191, while the figures for asymptomatic cases, re-positive cases and pending/unknown cases recorded since January 1 were 197 396, 22 and 230 707 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.
​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 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.
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