CHP investigates locally acquired SARS-CoV-2 virus cases with 1 414 cases tested positive by nucleic acid tests and 1 529 cases by RATs verified as well as 211 imported cases
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.
​​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.