Health authorities on Wednesday reported 558 new Covid infections, comprising 257 via PCR tests and 301 RAT-positive cases that have now been confirmed by laboratory tests.

Sixty-three of the latest cases were imported.

Meanwhile, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) said it had detected 14 cases that might be carrying the BA.2.12.1 Omicron subvariant.

Officials couldn't find the source of infection of some of the cases, including a 52-year-old woman who lives in the same block in Taikoo Shing as an earlier patient; a family of three who live in Tai Ping estate in Sheung Shui; and a 46-year-old woman who lives in Tseung Kwan O.

"We have seen around a dozen transmission chains in the community that involve the Omicron BA.2.12.1 subvariant," said Chuang Shuk-kwan from the CHP.

"The symptoms of all of the cases are mild, which is similar to BA.2.2. We also haven't seen serious cases. Overseas experiences have told us that the subvariant is more transmissible but not much difference in terms of its seriousness," she said.

Meanwhile, 87 schools have reported 94 cases with positive rapid test results, involving 61 students and 33 teachers.

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USEFUL LINKS
General Covid-19 situation: https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/
Covid-19 testing: https://www.communitytest.gov.hk/en/
Community Clinics for Covid-19 patients: https://bit.ly/3a4BZFE
RAT reporting platform: https://www.chp.gov.hk/ratp/
Vaccination programme: https://www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/sen/
Vaccination pass scheme: https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/vaccine-pass.html
Hotline for Covid-positive patients: 1836 115