Hong Kong on Thursday reported 2,196 local coronavirus infections.

The Centre for Health Protection's Albert Au noted that there's been a rise in the number of infections involving Omicron sub-variants BA.4 and BA.5 with unknown sources.

He said there had been community transmission of the sub-variants, adding that authorities will closely monitor the situation.

The Hospital Authority, meanwhile, said 692 Covid patients are currently staying in public hospitals.

Twelve of them are critically ill while 13 are in serious condition.

Two more Covid patients, aged 85 and 98, have died.

There are also 162 imported cases.