​The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (May 12) announced the latest epidemic situation of COVID-19. As of 0.00am, May 12, the CHP was investigating 115 additional cases that tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus by nucleic acid tests (29 confirmed cases, 79 asymptomatic cases and seven cases with pending case status) in the past 24 hours. Separately, 179 additional positive cases through rapid antigen tests (RATs) (82 symptomatic cases and 97 asymptomatic cases) were reported. Hong Kong has recorded a total of 760 047 and 447 618 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 40 imported cases (18 cases and 22 cases 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 two earlier imported cases were found to carry the sub-lineage BA.4 under the Omicron mutant strain. They involve a 34-year-old male who arrived in Hong Kong from South Africa on May 6 and a 42-year-old male who arrived in Hong Kong from the United States on May 7. Both cases tested positive on arrival. Hong Kong has recorded two imported sub-lineage BA.4 cases in total so far.
The whole genome sequencing analysis also found that four earlier imported cases carry the sub-lineage BA.2.12.1 under the Omicron mutant strain. These imported cases, involving three males and one female aged 30 to 84, arrived in Hong Kong from the United States and the Netherlands during the period from April 30 to May 7. Three cases tested positive on arrival while the remaining one tested positive during compulsory quarantine at designated quarantine hotel. Together with these four new cases, Hong Kong has recorded a total of 11 relevant cases and all of them are imported cases.
No cases of the sub-lineages were 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 12, a total of 9 143 death cases that had tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus during the fifth wave (since December 31, 2021) were recorded, with 9 065 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 9 356 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 11), the total number of confirmed cases was 331 439, while the figures for asymptomatic cases, re-positive cases and pending/unknown cases recorded since January 1 were 197 843, 23 and 230 627 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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