The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (May 23) announced the latest epidemic situation of COVID-19. As of 0.00am, May 23, the CHP was investigating 94 additional cases that tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus by nucleic acid tests (25 confirmed cases, 55 asymptomatic cases and 14 cases with pending case status) in the past 24 hours. Separately, 96 additional positive cases through rapid antigen tests (RATs) (41 symptomatic cases and 55 asymptomatic cases) were reported. Hong Kong has recorded a total of 761 316 and 449 270 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 28 imported cases (25 cases and three 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.

     In addition, as of 0.00am, May 23, a total of 9 157 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 cases), with 9 079 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 9 370 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 22), the total number of confirmed cases was 332 005, while the figures for asymptomatic cases, re-positive cases and pending/unknown cases recorded since January 1 were 198 687, 23 and 230 507 respectively.
 
     As the passenger flight (TK070) operated by Turkish Airlines arriving in Hong Kong from Istanbul, Turkey, on May 21 had two passengers who failed to comply with the requirements specified under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Regulation of Cross-boundary Conveyances and Travellers) Regulation (Cap. 599H), as well as four passengers who tested positive upon arrival, the DH thus invoked Cap. 599H to prohibit the landing of passenger flights in Hong Kong from Istanbul operated by Turkish Airlines from May 24 to 28.

     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.

     The Department of Health (DH) today (May 23) announced that as some designated clinics under the Hospital Authority had ceased operation, the clinics and service units under the DH that are situated at the same locations as the designated clinics will resume service.
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     Red Ribbon Centre will resume public service tomorrow (May 24). Meanwhile, Yau Ma Tei Elderly Health Centre will reopen on May 26 to provide booked medical consultation services for members. 

     Please visit the websites of the respective clinics and service units or contact the relevant units directly for details of the service resumptions. These websites can also be accessed via the DH website (www.dh.gov.hk).

     The Chief Executive-elect, Mr John Lee, has continued to meet with Legislative Council (LegCo) Members to exchange views on the work of the new-term Government in two sessions today (May 23), the first session with legislators from the Liberal Party, and the second with some others.

     During the two meetings, both sides exchanged views on various issues including Hong Kong's economy, competitiveness, resumption of normal travel as well as land and housing. Mr Lee thanked the participants for their views.

     Mr Lee also briefed legislators on the proposed reorganisation of the government structure and the proposed creation of the posts of deputy secretaries of departments. He said that the proposals could strengthen the Government's top-level co-ordination capabilities, ensure a more even distribution in the functions across bureaux, strengthen policy ownership and enhance governance efficiency. He stressed that the creation of the posts of principal officials and supporting staff has been proposed after in-depth analysis, and is indeed necessary.

     Mr Lee thanked the legislators for their comments and expressed the hope that the proposals would be supported by LegCo Members, so that the new-term Government can operate under the new government structure with effect from July 1.

      

     In light of positive test results for the COVID-19 virus from sewage samples collected in Tuen Mun, Sai Kung, Tsuen Wan and North Districts, the Home Affairs Department (HAD) said today (May 23) that the Tuen Mun District Office (TMDO), the Sai Kung District Office (SKDO), the Tsuen Wan District Office (TWDO) and the North District Office (NDO) will distribute a total of about 276 000 COVID-19 rapid test kits to households, cleansing workers and property management staff living and working in the Districts.
 
     The TMDO distributed rapid test kits to households, cleansing workers and property management staff living and working in Leung King Estate and Tin King Estate for voluntary testing through the property management companies.
 
     The SKDO and the TWDO also distributed rapid test kits to households, cleansing workers and property management staff living and working in La Cite Noble and Residence Oasis in Sai Kung District and Luk Yeung Sun Chuen in Tsuen Wan District for voluntary testing through the property management companies.
 
     In addition, the NDO started to distribute rapid test kits to households, cleansing workers and property management staff living and working in Wah Ming Estate, Yung Shing Court and King Shing Court 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.

        

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     Regarding an earlier announcement on a cluster of patients carrying Candida auris in a medicine and geriatrics ward, the spokesperson for Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) gave the following update today (May 23):

     PMH has adopted enhanced Candida auris screening for patients in the ward concerned. During the enhanced screening from May 17 to 23, one female patient and two male patients (aged 55 to 94) were identified as carriers of Candida auris while not having signs of infection. All patients are now being treated under isolation and in stable condition.

     The hospital will continue the contact tracing in accordance with the prevailing guidelines. A series of enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted:
 

1. Thorough cleaning and disinfection of the ward concerned;
2. Enhanced admission screening for patients and environmental screening procedures; and
3. Application of stringent contact precautions and enhanced hand hygiene for staff and patients.

     The hospital will continue to closely monitor the situation of the patients. The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.