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     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (July 26) announced the latest epidemic situation of COVID-19. As of 0.00am, July 26, the CHP was investigating 3 975 additional locally acquired cases tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, including 1 595 cases tested positive by nucleic acid tests (668 confirmed cases, 740 asymptomatic cases and 187 cases with pending case status) and 2 380 cases tested positive by rapid antigen tests (RATs) verified in the past 24 hours.

     Separately, 301 additional imported cases were reported, including 282 cases tested positive by nucleic acid tests (26 confirmed cases, 210 asymptomatic cases and 46 cases with pending case status) and 19 cases tested positive by RATs.

     Hong Kong has recorded a total of 811 091 and 519 308 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 (July 25), Hong Kong had recorded a total of 19 cases, 2 075 cases and 2 055 cases carrying the sub-lineages BA.2.12, BA.2.12.1 and BA.4/BA.5 under the Omicron mutant strain respectively (including suspected cases), among which zero, 1 833 and 826 of them are local cases.

     In addition, as of 0.00am, July 26, a total of 9 265 death cases that had tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus during the fifth wave (since December 31, 2021) were recorded, with 9 186 and 76 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 9 478 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 351 237, while the figures for asymptomatic cases, re-positive cases and pending/unknown cases recorded since January 1 were 224 138, 24 and 233 815 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.

     â€‹â€‹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. read more

     The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung, visited Tung Tai House of Ching Tai Court in Tsing Yi today (July 26) to express support for staff members of the Civil Service Bureau (CSB) participating in the “restriction-testing declaration” (RTD) operation there and encourage residents to receive COVID-19 vaccination in a timely manner.

     About 80 staff members from various grades in the CSB took part in the RTD operation, arranging for the residents subject to compulsory testing to undergo specimen collection for COVID-19 nucleic acid testing in batches and making reservations for residents who wish to receive COVID-19 vaccination. 

     “There have been thousands of daily new confirmed cases recently. Members of the public, in particular the elderly and children, should receive appropriate doses of COVID-19 vaccine as early as possible to enhance protection and reduce the risk of falling seriously ill and death should they get infected. Currently, there are still 30 per cent of elderly persons aged 80 or above, and over 20 per cent of children aged 3 to 11, who have not received any COVID-19 vaccine dose. The mutant strains that have been widely circulating recently are more transmissible. Members of the public should arrange vaccination for, and in the interest of, the elderly persons and children of their family as soon as possible. There are a large number of quotas for vaccination available at the vaccination venues, where members of the public can receive vaccination conveniently. Members of the public should also arrange for the elderly persons and children of their family who have received the first or second dose to receive the remaining doses on time,” Mrs Yeung said.

     Channels for free COVID-19 vaccination include the Community Vaccination Centres (CVCs), Hospital COVID-19 Vaccination Stations, designated general out-patient clinics of the Hospital Authority and Elderly Health Centres under the Department of Health, as well as private doctors and clinics providing the Sinovac vaccine and venues operated by private healthcare institutions providing the BioNTech vaccine.

     The designated website for the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme (www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/programme) provides the latest information including details on vaccination venues, reservation and enquiry hotlines.

     The locations of the CVCs are as follows:

CVCs providing the Sinovac vaccine for persons aged 3 or above
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Java Road Sports Centre in North Point
Kwun Chung Sports Centre in Jordan
Yuen Wo Road Sports Centre in Sha Tin
Millennium City 5 in Kwun Tong
Hong Kong Spinners Industrial Building in Cheung Sha Wan

CVCs providing the BioNTech vaccine for persons aged 12 or above
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Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park Sports Centre in Sai Ying Pun
Boundary Street Sports Centre in Mong Kok
Sai Wan Ho Sports Centre
Hiu Kwong Street Sports Centre in Kwun Tong
Lai Chi Kok Park Sports Centre
Yuen Long Sports Centre
Osman Ramju Sadick Memorial Sports Centre in Kwai Chung
MTR Tsing Yi Station
CUHK Medical Centre in Sha Tin (no same-day tickets)
Satellite Community Vaccination Centre, Leighton Centre in Causeway Bay (no same-day tickets)
HKU Community Vaccination Centre at Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong (on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; no same-day tickets)
Pop-up CVC at 17th floor of Landmark North in Sheung Shui

Vaccination centres providing the BioNTech vaccine for children aged 5 to 11 (no same-day tickets)
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Children Community Vaccination Centre (CCVC) at Hong Kong Children’s Hospital in Kowloon Bay
HKU CCVC at Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong in Wong Chuk Hang (on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays)
CUHK Medical Centre in Sha Tin
Osman Ramju Sadick Memorial Sports Centre in Kwai Chung

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     The Lands Department announced today (July 26) that the tender for a site, Inland Lot No. 8872 at Hospital Road, Hong Kong, has been awarded to the highest tenderer, Bestford Group Limited (parent company: K. Wah International Holdi… read more

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:      The Hospital Authority today (July 26) announced information regarding patients who tested positive via admission screening or testing with patients or staff … read more

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (July 26) reminded members of the public, particularly those undertaking outdoor activities, to take heed of necessary measures against heat stroke and sunburn in very hot weather.

     “The public should carry and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration while engaging in outdoor activities,” a spokesman for the CHP said.

     “Those engaged in strenuous outdoor activities should avoid beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee and tea, as well as alcohol, as they speed up water loss through the urinary system,” the spokesman explained.

     “Children, the elderly, the obese and those with chronic illnesses, such as heart disease or high blood pressure, are more vulnerable to heat stroke. They should pay special attention,” the spokesman added.

     The public should adopt the following precautions:
 

• Wear loose and light-coloured clothing to reduce heat absorption and facilitate sweat evaporation and heat dissipation;
• Avoid vigorous exercise and prolonged activities like hiking or trekking as heat, sweating and exhaustion can place additional demands on the physique;
• Perform outdoor activities in the morning or the late afternoon;
• For indoor activities, open all windows, use a fan or use air-conditioning to maintain good ventilation;
• Do not stay inside a parked vehicle; and
• Reschedule work to cooler times of the day. If working in a hot environment is inevitable, introduce shade in the workplace where practicable. Start work slowly and pick up the pace gradually. Move to a cool area for rest at regular intervals to allow the body to recuperate.

     The public should also note the latest and the forecast Ultraviolet (UV) Index released by the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO). When the UV Index is high (6 or above):
 

• Minimise direct exposure of the skin and the eyes to sunlight;
• Wear long-sleeved and loose-fitting clothes;
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat or use an umbrella;
• Seek a shaded area or put on UV-blocking sunglasses;
• Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen lotion with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or above. Apply liberally and reapply after swimming, sweating or towelling off; and
• While using DEET-containing insect repellents for personal protection against mosquito-borne diseases, apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent.

     If symptoms develop, such as dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath or confusion, rest and seek help immediately, and seek medical advice as soon as possible.

     â€‹The public may obtain more information from the DH’s Health Education Infoline (2833 0111), heat stroke page and UV radiation page; the HKO’s Dial-a-Weather (1878 200), latest weather report and forecast, UV Index and weather information for hiking and mountaineering; and press releases of the Labour Department on precautions against heat stroke for outdoor workers and their employers when the Very Hot Weather Warning is in force. read more