January 16, 2023
HONG KONG – Hong Kong recorded 6,261 new COVID-19 cases on Sunday as 66 more patients passed away, health authorities said.
In a statement, the Centre for Health Protection said the new cases comprised 6,091 local infections and 170 imported cases. There were 7,749 new cases reported on Saturday, 8,260 on Friday, and 9,208 the day before.
The 66 new reported deaths brought the city’s toll during the current fifth wave of infections to 12,600, the Centre for Health Protection said
The 66 new reported deaths brought the city’s toll during the current fifth wave of infections to 12,600, the CHP added.
It said 19 residential care homes for the elderly and persons with disabilities had 24 new cases involving 22 residents and two staff members.
As of Sunday, the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch had identified 227, 38 of BQ.1.1, 13 of BF.7, eight of BA.2.75.2, seven of BA.4.6, and six of XBD among imported cases in Hong Kong.
There were also 210 cases of BQ.1.1, 182 cases of sub-lineage XBB, 36 of BF.7, 18 of XBD, two of XBB.1.5, and one of BA.2.75.2 detected among local cases, the CHP said.
The CHP added that 45.35 percent (the seven-day moving average) of specimens verified by the PHLSB from Jan 6 to Jan 12 were linked to the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron subvariants.
In a separate statement, the Hospital Authority said 4,026 COVID-19 patients were being treated in hospitals, including 298 new patients.
The HA said 2,089 patients required isolation, 632 were on oxygen therapy, and 74 needed ventilator support.
There were a total of 183 patients in critical condition, including 49 in intensive care, while 173 were in serious condition, the HA added.