Author Archives: hksar gov

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (July 15) announced the latest epidemic situation of COVID-19. As of 0.00am, July 15, the CHP was investigating 3 358 additional locally acquired cases tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, including 1 393 cases tested positive by nucleic acid tests (563 confirmed cases, 657 asymptomatic cases and 173 cases with pending case status) and 1 965 cases tested positive by rapid antigen tests (RATs) verified in the past 24 hours.

     Separately, 216 additional imported cases were reported, including 156 cases tested positive by nucleic acid tests (13 confirmed cases, 127 asymptomatic cases and 16 cases with pending case status) and 60 cases tested positive by RATs.

     Hong Kong has recorded a total of 793 189 and 493 899 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 14), Hong Kong had recorded a total of 19 cases, 1 021 cases and 896 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, 794 and 237 of them are local cases.

     In addition, as of 0.00am, July 15, a total of 9 219 death cases that had tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus during the fifth wave (since December 31, 2021) were recorded, with 9 141 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 9 432 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 344 163, while the figures for asymptomatic cases, re-positive cases and pending/unknown cases recorded since January 1 were 214 921, 24 and 232 532 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€‹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

     â€‹President Xi Jinping delivered an important speech at the meeting celebrating the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland and the inaugural ceremony of the sixth-term Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). The Islands District Office (IsDO), the Sham Shui Po District Office (SSPDO), the Tai Po District Office (TPDO) and the Wong Tai Sin District Office (WTSDO) each held sessions today (July 15) on the topic “Spirit of the President’s Important Speech” by inviting different keynote speakers to talk and exchange thoughts on the spirit of the President’s important speech.
           
     The IsDO, in collaboration with the New Territories Association of Societies (NTAS) Islands District Committee, jointly held the “Session to Learn About, Promote and Implement the Spirit of President Xi’s Important Speech” at Tung Chung Community Hall today. Convenor of the Executive Council and Member of the Legislative Council (LegCo) Mrs Regina Ip was invited to be the keynote speaker. The Vice Director General of the New Territories Sub-office of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government (LOCPG) in the HKSAR, Mr Hu Qiming, and the District Officer (Islands), Miss Amy Yeung, spoke at the session. About 200 participants attended the session, including members of the Islands District Council and various committees under the IsDO, representatives of relevant rural committees and local organisations, and staff of the IsDO. 
      
     Following the session held yesterday (July 14), the SSPDO and the Kowloon Federation of Associations Sham Shui Po District Committee jointly held the “Session to Learn About President Xi’s Speech of July 1” at Nam Cheong District Community Centre today. The Deputy Director of the Bauhinia Academy of the LOCPG in the HKSAR, Dr Chen Suting, was invited to be the keynote speaker. The District Officer (Sham Shui Po), Mr Paul Wong, and the Deputy-Director-General of the Kowloon Federation of Associations, Mr Chan Wai-ming, also spoke at the session. More than 130 participants attended the session, including members of committees under the SSPDO, community leaders, locals and youths, and staff of the SSPDO.
 
     The TPDO and the Alliance of Societies in Tai Po, the NTAS Tai Po District Committee, the Tai Po Federation of All Circles, the Tai Po Rural Committee, the Sai Kung North Rural Committee and the Tai Po Youths Association jointly held the “Session to Learn About, Promote and Implement the Spirit of President Xi’s Important Speech” at the Tai Po Community Centre today. Hong Kong Deputy to the National People’s Congress and Member of the LegCo Mr Chan Yung was invited to be the keynote speaker. The Vice Director General of the New Territories Sub-office of the LOCPG in the HKSAR, Mr Hu Qiming; the Chairman of the Alliance of Societies in Tai Po, Mr Cheung Hok-ming; the District Officer (Tai Po), Ms Eunice Chan; the Chairman of the NTAS Tai Po District Committee, Ms Peggy Wong; representatives from the Tai Po Youth Network and the Tai Po Youths Association; and representatives from societies and rural organisations in Tai Po spoke in the session today. Nearly 300 participants attended the session, including representatives from academia, rural organisations and youth groups.
      
     In addition, further to the sessions held on July 7, 11 and 12 as well as yesterday, the WTSDO, together with Chat Together, We are Family, the Association of Women East Kowloon District, a women’s group, the Choi Wan Mummy Club and the San Po Kong Woman Society, jointly held the “Session on Learn About and Implement the Spirit of President Xi’s Important Speech on July 1 for Women’s Groups” at the Kowloon Walled City Kai Fong Welfare Continuing Promotion Association Kowloon Walled City Community Hall today. Consultant and founding member of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong Mr Kan Chi-ho was invited to be the keynote speaker. The sharing enabled the members of women’s groups to have a deeper understanding of the spirit of the President’s speech. Member of the LegCo Ms Starry Lee and the District Officer (Wong Tai Sin), Mr Steve Wong, also spoke at the session and exchanged views with participants. More than 130 participants attended the session, including the Deputy Division Chief of the Kowloon Sub-office of the LOCPG in the HKSAR, Mr Meng Zhijian, as well as members of women’s groups and residents in Wong Tai Sin District.

     Other District Offices will be rolling out sessions, so as to enable more key district figures to obtain a deeper understanding of the spirit of the President’s important speech.

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     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (July 15) investigating a case of measles infection and reminded the public that vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles.

     The case involves a 36-year-old man with good past health, who has developed a fever, headache and malaise since June 14 and rash on June 22. He attended the accident and emergency departments of the Caritas Medical Centre and Kwong Wah Hospital (KWH) on June 27 and June 29 respectively for medical attention. He was admitted to KWH for treatment on June 30. He is in a stable condition and was discharged against medical advice on July 2.

     His blood sample tested positive for immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies to measles virus upon laboratory testing. The patient is reported to have received a measles vaccination. He had no travel history during the incubation period and the communicable period.

     According to the patient, he did not have contact with measles patients during the incubation period.

     Upon notification of the case, the CHP immediately commenced epidemiological investigations and conducted relevant contact tracing. Investigations are ongoing.

     A spokesman for the DH said, “Measles is a highly infectious disease caused by the measles virus. It can be transmitted by airborne droplets or direct contact with nasal or throat secretions of infected persons, and, less commonly, by articles soiled with nose and throat secretions. A patient can pass the disease to other persons from four days before to four days after the appearance of a skin rash.

     “The incubation period (the period from infection to appearance of illness) of measles ranges from seven days to 21 days. Symptoms of measles include fever, skin rash, cough, runny nose and red eyes. If symptoms arise, members of the public should wear surgical masks, stop going to work or school and avoid going to crowded places. They should also avoid contact with non-immune persons, especially persons with weakened immunity, pregnant women and children aged below 1. Those suspected to have been infected are advised to seek medical attention as early as possible and reveal relevant contact history of measles to healthcare professionals,” the spokesman advised. 

     “Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles. Those who have not received two doses of measles-containing vaccines, with unknown vaccination history or unknown immunity against measles, are urged to consult their doctor for advice on vaccinations,” the spokesman said.

     Besides being vaccinated against measles, members of the public should take the following measures to prevent infection:
 

• Maintain good personal and environmental hygiene;
• Maintain good indoor ventilation;
• Keep hands clean and wash hands properly;
• Wash hands when they are dirtied by respiratory secretions, such as after sneezing;
• Cover the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and dispose of nasal and mouth discharge properly;
• Clean used toys and furniture properly; and
• Persons with measles should be kept out of school till four days from the appearance of a rash to prevent the spread of the infection to non-immune persons in school.

     For more information on measles, the public may call the 24-hour health education hotline 2833 0111 or visit the CHP’s measles thematic page. For news of measles outbreaks outside Hong Kong, please visit the website of the DH’s Travel Health Service. read more

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:      The Hospital Authority today (July 15) announced information regarding patients who tested positive via admission screening or testing with patients or staff … read more

     In light of positive test results for the COVID-19 virus from sewage samples collected in Sai Kung, Sha Tin and Wong Tai Sin Districts, the Home Affairs Department (HAD) said today (July 15) that the Sai Kung District Office (SKDO), the Sha Tin District Office (STDO) and the Wong Tai Sin District Office (WTSDO) have distributed a total of about 245 000 COVID-19 rapid test kits to households, cleansing workers and property management staff living and working in the Districts.

     The SKDO distributed rapid test kits to households, cleansing workers and property management staff living and working in Nan Fung Plaza, LOHAS Park (The Capitol, Hemera, MALIBU, Wings at Sea, Wings at Sea II, Le Prestige – Towers 1 to 3, 5, 9 to 11), The Beaumount and The Beaumount II for voluntary testing through the property management companies.

     The STDO also distributed rapid test kits to households, cleansing workers and property management staff living and working in Saddle Ridge Garden, Kam Lung Court and Villa Athena for voluntary testing through the property management companies and the owners’ corporations.

     In addition, the WTSDO distributed rapid test kits to households, cleansing workers and property management staff living and working in Lower Wong Tai Sin (1) Estate for voluntary testing through the property management companies.

     The HAD made the above arrangements in the hope of identifying infected persons early.

     Members of the public may refer to the demonstration video produced by the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) under the Department of Health (DH) via www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzFAUzTtmKk to learn how to use the rapid antigen test (RAT) kit.

     Persons testing positive through an RAT should take a photo of the test result and declare the result within 24 hours via the Declaration System for Individuals Tested Positive for COVID-19 Using Rapid Antigen Test (www.chp.gov.hk/ratp). If members of the public encounter difficulties in using the online platform, they can call the automated system at 183 6119 to register their identification document and telephone number. The CHP under the DH will contact the relevant person later to complete the report procedure. There is no need to declare negative test results.

     The Government appeals for the co-operation of members of the public to safeguard the health of themselves and their families by undergoing testing on a voluntary basis and fighting the virus together. The Government urges all individuals who are in doubt about their own health condition, or individuals with infection risks (such as individuals who visited places with epidemic outbreaks or had contact with cases that tested positive), to undergo testing promptly for early identification of infected persons to reduce the transmission risks of COVID-19.

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