CHP investigates locally acquired SARS-CoV-2 virus cases with 1 084 cases tested positive by nucleic acid tests and 2 696 cases by RATs as well as 117 imported cases

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (September 25) announced the latest epidemic situation of COVID-19. As of 0.00am, September 25, the CHP was investigating 3 780 additional locally acquired cases that tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, comprising 1 084 cases that tested positive by nucleic acid tests (511 confirmed cases, 478 asymptomatic cases and 95 cases with pending status) and 2 696 cases that tested positive by rapid antigen tests (RATs) in the past 24 hours.

     Separately, 117 additional imported cases were reported, including 107 cases that tested positive by nucleic acid tests (four confirmed cases, 66 asymptomatic cases and 37 cases with pending status) and 10 cases that tested positive by RATs.

     Hong Kong has recorded a total of 944 483 and 801 017 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 of the cases. Please refer to the Annex and "COVID-19 Thematic Website" (www.coronavirus.gov.hk) for more information.

     Among the specimens received by the DH's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch during September 16 to 22 for verification testing of local cases, about 3.2 per cent and 85.5 per cent of them (seven-day moving average) are related to the sub-lineages BA.2.12.1 and BA.4/BA.5 (including suspected cases) of the Omicron mutant strain respectively.

     In addition, as of 0.00am, September 25, a total of 9 903 death cases that had tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus during the fifth wave (since December 31, 2021) were recorded, with 9 819 and 81 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 10 116 death cases that 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 (September 24), the total number of confirmed cases was 411 632, while the figures for asymptomatic cases, re-positive cases and pending/unknown cases recorded since January 1 were 289 835, 31 and 241 794 respectively.

     The spokesman for the CHP said 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, children, 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 CHP strongly appeals to the community to strictly comply with social distancing measures and refrain from participating in unnecessary or crowded activities or mass gatherings. This would lower the risk of infection and prevent the virus from spreading in the community. ​​The spokesman reminded members of the public that they can call various hotlines to make enquiries on COVID-19 (www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/index.html#hotline).