CHP investigates locally acquired SARS-CoV-2 virus cases with 1 708 cases tested positive by nucleic acid tests and 3 065 cases by RATs verified as well as 247 imported cases

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (August 4) announced the latest epidemic situation of COVID-19. As of 0.00am, August 4, the CHP was investigating 4 773 additional locally acquired cases tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, including 1 708 cases tested positive by nucleic acid tests (732 confirmed cases, 795 asymptomatic cases and 181 cases with pending case status) and 3 065 cases tested positive by rapid antigen tests (RATs) verified in the past 24 hours.

     Separately, 247 additional imported cases were reported, including 226 cases tested positive by nucleic acid tests (14 confirmed cases, 145 asymptomatic cases and 67 cases with pending case status) and 21 cases tested positive by RATs.

     Hong Kong has recorded a total of 827 651 and 544 287 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.

     As of yesterday (August 3), among the specimens received by the DH's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch in the past seven days for verification testing of local cases, about 6.5 per cent and 5.8 per cent of them are related to sub-lineages BA.2.12.1 and BA.4/BA.5 (including suspected cases) under the Omicron mutant strain respectively.

     In addition, as of 0.00am, August 4, a total of 9 314 death cases that had tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus during the fifth wave (since December 31, 2021) were recorded, with 9 234 and 77 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 9 527 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 357 982, while the figures for asymptomatic cases, re-positive cases and pending/unknown cases recorded since January 1 were 232 678, 31 and 235 026 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.