The Centre for Health Protection announced that as of midnight, no new COVID-19 cases have been recorded, leaving the number of confirmed cases in Hong Kong at 12,471.

Meanwhile, the centre is looking into a suspected re-positive overseas case which involves a 61-year-old man. Arriving in Hong Kong on November 16 from Ghana on flight QR818 via Qatar, he tested negative at Hong Kong International Airport. The results of the four tests conducted during his compulsory quarantine period at Silka Far East Hotel Hong Kong in Tsuen Wan were also negative.

Having completed his compulsory quarantine on November 30, he moved to Kimberley Hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui and underwent another virus test on December 6 as required. The result showed that he was positive for COVID-19 and carried the L452R mutant strain. However, the viral load was low, with a Ct value over 30.

The patient did not develop symptoms. He had received two doses of the Sinopharm vaccine on May 18 and June 17 on the Mainland, but was diagnosed with COVID-19 in Ghana in September.

After examining the epidemiological, clinical and laboratory findings, the centre considers that this case is compatible with a re-positive case, and is following up with the Ghana health authority.

As a prudent measure, the places where the patient resided and visited in Hong Kong during the incubation period have been included in a compulsory testing notice which requires specified people to undergo mandatory testing.

Additionally, in view of two preliminary positive imported cases involving patients who had stayed in Hong Kong during the incubation period, 22 specified premises are included in the compulsory testing notice.

Four schools are also subject to compulsory testing due to outbreaks of upper respiratory tract infection or influenza-like illness.

Separately, the centre reminded specified people linked to On Kin House, On Tin Estate in Lam Tin to get tested tomorrow in accordance with a compulsory testing notice.

There were 61 cases reported in Hong Kong in the past 14 days, all of which are imported.

For information and health advice on COVID-19, visit the Government’s dedicated webpage.