The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     As at 0.00am today (July 13), a total of 1 031 patients who tested positive for COVID-19 are currently hospitalised for treatment, including 160 new patients. Among the patients staying in isolation facilities, 353 patients are in isolation wards, 22 patients are in second-tier isolation wards and 317 patients are in the North Lantau Hospital Hong Kong Infection Control Centre, of which 128 in total are new patients. There are four newly reported critical patients and five newly reported serious patients. There are a total of 18 patients in critical condition and 30 are in serious condition, of which nine critical patients are receiving intensive care. Moreover, there are 109 patients who have recovered, including 100 patients who have been discharged. In addition, two patients who passed away in public hospitals were reported.
 
     In the fifth wave of the epidemic, there are 53 105 patients who have recovered so far, including 52 842 patients who have been discharged. And since early 2020, there are 65 485 patients who have recovered, including 65 222 patients who have been discharged.
 
     The Hospital Authority will maintain close contact with the Centre for Health Protection to monitor the latest developments and to inform the public and healthcare workers on the latest information in a timely manner.

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (July 13) announced the latest epidemic situation of COVID-19. As of 0.00am, July 13, the CHP was investigating 2 943 additional locally acquired cases tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, including 1 414 cases tested positive by nucleic acid tests (556 confirmed cases, 570 asymptomatic cases and 288 cases with pending case status) and 1 529 cases tested positive by rapid antigen tests (RATs) verified in the past 24 hours.

     Separately, 211 additional imported cases were reported, including 165 cases tested positive by nucleic acid tests (10 confirmed cases, 144 asymptomatic cases and 11 cases with pending case status) and 46 cases tested positive by RATs.

     Hong Kong has recorded a total of 790 024 and 489 816 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 12), Hong Kong had recorded a total of 19 cases, 961 cases and 833 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, 734 and 205 of them are local cases.

     In addition, as of 0.00am, July 13, a total of 9 209 death cases that had tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus during the fifth wave (since December 31, 2021) were recorded, with 9 131 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 9 422 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 342 916, while the figures for asymptomatic cases, re-positive cases and pending/unknown cases recorded since January 1 were 213 274, 24 and 232 231 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.

     Hong Kong Customs on July 11 seized a batch of suspected controlled items, including about 44.2 kilograms of suspected synthetic cathinone (bath salts), about 1 300 suspected prohibited weapons and about 10 000 suspected alternative smoking products (ASPs), as well as about 580 items of suspected counterfeit goods, at Shenzhen Bay Control Point. The total estimated market value was about $6.3 million.

     Through risk assessment, Customs officers on that day intercepted an incoming truck at Shenzhen Bay Control Point and seized the batch of goods on board the truck. The 49-year-old male driver was then arrested.

     An investigation is ongoing and the arrested man has been released on bail pending further investigation.

     Smuggling and drug trafficking are serious offences. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years. Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

     Possession of prohibited weapons is also illegal. Under the Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance, any person found guilty of possession of arms without a licence is liable to a maximum fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for 14 years. Under the Weapons Ordinance, any person found guilty of possessing any prohibited weapon is liable to a maximum fine of $10,000 and imprisonment for three years.

     Moreover, importing ASPs or counterfeit goods is also an offence. Under the Smoking (Public Health) (Amendment) Ordinance 2021, any person who imports, promotes, manufactures, sells or possesses for commercial purposes ASPs, including electronic cigarette products, heated tobacco products, herbal cigarettes and any related devices, parts and accessories, commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months.

     Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, any person who imports or exports any goods to which a forged trademark is applied commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.

     Members of the public may report any suspected violation of the above-mentioned ordinances to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk). They may call the Department of Health at 2961 8823 for further enquiries and complaints relating to ASPs.

        

     â€‹In the preceding week till 11.59pm on July 10, the Department of Health (DH) received 16 reports (Note 1) of adverse events following COVID-19 immunisation. No death cases were reported by the Hospital Authority (HA) involving individuals who had received vaccines within 14 days before they passed away and had potential association with vaccination.
      
     As at 8pm on July 10, around 17.82 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines had been administered for members of the public. Around 6.75 million people had received at least one dose of vaccine, including 93.9 per cent of the population aged 12 or above. The DH received 7 773 reports of adverse events (0.04 per cent of the total vaccine doses administered). Among the death cases concerning persons who had been vaccinated, including 117 cases (Note 2) with vaccination within 14 days before they passed away (0.0007 per cent of the total vaccine doses administered), none of the death cases were associated with vaccination.
      
     As of today, the Expert Committee on Clinical Events Assessment Following COVID-19 Immunisation had concluded that 72 death cases had no causal relationship with vaccination, while for one case the causal relationship with vaccination could not be established, and preliminarily considered that 11 cases were not associated with vaccination. Thirty-three cases are still pending further information for assessment. The Expert Committee considered that there is no unusual pattern identified so far, and will continue to closely monitor the relevant situation and collect data for assessment.
      
     According to information from the HA, during the period from June 13 to July 10, the overall ratio of death cases was 43.4 cases for every 100 000 people, whereas the average ratio of death cases for the same period in 2018 to 2020 was 42.4 cases for every 100 000 people. Among these death cases, the ratio of death cases with acute stroke or acute myocardial infarction was 2.0 cases for every 100 000 people, whereas the average ratio of death cases under the same category for the same period in 2018 to 2020 was 2.6 cases for every 100 000 people. Furthermore, the ratio of miscarriage cases was 14.0 cases for every 100 000 people, whereas the average ratio of miscarriage cases for the same period in 2018 to 2020 was 21.9 cases for every 100 000 people. Based on the statistical analysis of the above figures, there is no evidence that vaccination increases the risk of death or miscarriage for recipients. The relevant reference statistics will be uploaded to the thematic website for the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme.
      
     The majority of non-death cases of adverse events received so far are relatively minor cases. The relevant details can be found in the "Report on the Safety Monitoring of COVID-19 Vaccines in Hong Kong" (www.drugoffice.gov.hk/eps/do/en/doc/Safety_Monitoring_of_COVID-19_Vaccines_in_Hong_Kong.pdf).
      
     A Government spokesman said, "With more frequent traffic and social interactions recently, there has been an upward trend in daily new cases. The Hong Kong community must prudently guard against the risk of an epidemic rebound. Deaths and severe cases involving children and elderly persons, who are our focus of protection in vaccination, have been recorded in the fifth wave of the epidemic. For elderly persons, the COVID-19 vaccination rate for the elderly aged 80 or above in Hong Kong is only around 69 per cent at present, meaning that around 31 per cent of the elderly in that age group are in a dangerous situation, which is alarming.
      
     "According to preliminary data analysis, out of the cases reported in the fifth wave, over 95 per cent of the fatal cases are elderly people aged 60 or above, with the proportion of death and hospitalised cases being the highest in those aged 80 or above. Most of the deceased cases are unvaccinated persons. As compared to the Hong Kong overall population, those who have received three doses of vaccine account for a much lower proportion among reported cases, and an extremely low proportion among the hospitalised critical/serious and deceased cases. This demonstrates the effectiveness of three doses of vaccine in preventing infection, serious illness and fatality from COVID-19. Even with just the first dose of vaccine, the risk of death can be significantly reduced. The latest research data from the University of Hong Kong also shows that receiving three doses of either the Comirnaty or CoronaVac vaccine is highly effective for preventing severe cases and deaths with over 90 per cent effectiveness. Members of the public who are currently eligible for a third dose should get the third dose as soon as possible.
      
     "Furthermore, in response to the latest advice from experts, we have started the administration of the fourth vaccine dose for persons aged 60 or above who have received three doses of the Comirnaty or CoronaVac vaccine. They may receive the fourth dose no less than three months after their last dose. For persons aged 18 to 59 with a higher risk of COVID-19 exposure, or a greater risk of COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of their occupational setting, they may choose to receive a fourth dose no less than six months from their third dose. Members of the public may also receive a fourth dose due to personal needs (such as studying abroad or travelling). On the other hand, the minimum age for receiving the CoronaVac vaccine has been lowered to 3 years old, while the minimum age for receiving the Comirnaty vaccine is 5 years old. We call on parents to arrange vaccination for their children as early as possible for better protection.
      
     "In addition, the Government once again reminds members of the public that recovered persons who had been infected with COVID-19 should also get vaccinated in a timely manner. For the Vaccine Pass, the recovery record QR code is valid within 180 days (i.e. six months) from the date of recovery. Therefore, the recovery record QR codes of persons who recovered at the beginning of this year will gradually expire. At that time, the recovered person may need to receive one more dose of COVID-19 vaccine to comply with the Vaccine Pass, or update their vaccination records. Specifically, recovered persons who had not received or had only received one dose of vaccine are required to receive an additional dose (first or second dose) of vaccine before their recovery record QR codes expire, in order to continue to use the Vaccine Pass. As for recovered persons who had received two or more doses of vaccine, they should update their vaccination records through the Electronic Vaccination and Testing Record System (www.evt.gov.hk), the 'iAM Smart' or 'eHealth' mobile applications before their recovery record QR codes expire, in order to continue to use the Vaccine Pass."
 
Note 1: Provisional figures. In the preceding week till 11.59pm on July 10, the DH did not receive any reports of suspected myocarditis or pericarditis involving adolescents in the age group of 3 to 15.
 
Note 2: In the preceding week till 11.59pm on July 10, the DH did not receive any reports involving individuals who had received COVID-19 vaccination within 14 days before passing away.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The Hospital Authority today (July 13) announced information regarding patients who tested positive via admission screening or testing with patients or staff members identified as close contacts and nosocomial COVID-19 infection cases.
 
     The following are the statistics of patients who tested positive via admission screening or by testing in public hospitals with patients or staff members identified as close contacts:
 

  
     In addition, two nurses of an orthopaedic and traumatology ward of Queen Elizabeth Hospital tested positive for COVID-19. The ward concerned had announced two previously confirmed patient cases in press releases issued on July 10 and 11 respectively. The patients are currently hospitalised under isolation treatment with stable condition. The hospital has conducted contact tracing. Admission and visiting arrangements for the ward concerned have been suspended. Thorough cleaning and disinfection have been conducted. The hospital will closely monitor the health condition of patients and staff members, and communicate with the Centre for Health Protection on the latest situation.