HK Reports Drop In Covid Cases, Second BA.5 Infection

Hong Kong's new Covid cases dropped slightly to 413 on Thursday, including 24 infections that were imported.

Of the latest cases, 206 were confirmed by PCR tests and 207 came from people who took self-tests.

The Hospital Authority said another five Covid patients have died.

Health officials also reported that a 40-year-old man who arrived in Hong Kong on April 23 from South Africa via Doha had been found to be carrying the Omicron BA.5 variant – the second such case reported in the city.

Chuang Shuk-kwan from the Centre for Health Protection said the man tested positive upon arrival and was sent to an isolation facility.

On the death of actor Kenneth Tsang, officials said he had tested negative for Covid.

Chuang also said the actor had not sought medical help from health authorities.

"As far as I understand, we have not received calls from the person under quarantine. For those who have special needs under quarantine, they can apply to have family members to accompany them during the quarantine period and to take care of them," she said.

Tsang was found dead in a quarantine hotel on Wednesday, after he did not answer the door during a regular Covid screening.

USEFUL LINKS General Covid-19 situation: https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/

Community testing notice:

Community Clinics for Covid-19 patients:

RAT reporting platform:

Vaccination programme:

Vaccination pass scheme:

Hotline for Covid-positive patients: 1836 115