Omicron variant infected allowed to quarantine at home as Covid cases reach 3,805

Covid-19 patients infected with BA.2.12.1, BA.4, or BA.5 are allowed to quarantine at home as those with BA2.2, as Hong Kong reported 3,805 new Covid-19 cases on Wednesday.   

Among the new cases, 3,625 were locally transmitted, including 1,515 confirmed via PCR tests and 2,110 verified positive RAT test results, according to Chuang Shuk-kwan from the Centre for Health Protection.   

The other 180 infections were imported cases, 68 detected at the airport, 102 at quarantine hotels, and 10 in local communities after the patients completed seven-day isolation.     

The Hospital Authority reported on related death - a 67-year-old man - pushing the death tally of the fifth wave to 9,232. The man with diabetes has received three Covid jabs. He was taken to the hospital by ambulance on Tuesday and is believed to die of suicide.  

Chuang said as of Monday, the city has recorded 1,093 suspected cases of BA.2 or BA.2.12.1 and 372 suspected cases of BA.4 or BA.5. The severity of the two variants, however, is "not very different" from the prevailing BA2.2 strains.   

She said the World Health Organization also stated that BA.5 is the most infectious strain, but no more serious illnesses were observed.  

Therefore, with immediate effect, the isolation and quarantine requirements for suspected cases of BA.2.12.1, BA.4, or BA.5 are the same as those for BA2.2.   

That is, those confirmed with Omicron variants could also undergo quarantine at home, but electronic bracelets are required, as in the case of other confirmed patients. However, patients currently in isolation facilities must stay until their quarantine period is completed.  

The center was also informed of 364 positive cases from 299 schools involving 293 students and 71 teachers and staffers.   

Yan Chai Hospital Lim Por Yen Secondary School and Holy Cross Lutheran School each have a class to be suspended for a week after the students and teachers caught Covid.   

In addition, four elderly homes and two care centers for people with disabilities reported new infections.  

Public hospitals and treatment facilities are now housing 207 Covid patients. Among them, 17 are in critical condition, 32 are in serious condition, and five are in hospital intensive care units.