As at yesterday (December 7), a total of 3 248 patients who tested positive for COVID-19 are hospitalised for treatment. Among the hospitalised confirmed patients, 452 were new patients, 2 180 required isolation, 354 required oxygen therapy and 29 required ventilator support. There were 12 newly reported critical patients and 22 newly reported serious patients. There were a total of 76 patients in critical condition and 95 in serious condition, of which 20 critical patients are receiving intensive care. Moreover, there were 384 patients who have recovered, including 311 patients who have been discharged. In addition, 27 patients who passed away in public hospitals were reported.

The Hospital Authority (HA) has reviewed the preliminary statistics of the past week (November 30 to December 6). Among the COVID-19 patients admitted through Accident and Emergency Departments, around 63 per cent were admitted due to COVID-19 infection, while around 37 per cent were admitted due to other medical reasons. For the deceased COVID-19 patients, around 70 per cent potentially died of COVID-19, while around 30 per cent died from other illnesses. The HA will keep analysing the statistics concerned so as to provide appropriate services in accordance with the situation and patient needs.

The overall occupancy of medical beds in acute hospitals is around 103 per cent.

In response to the increasing number of confirmed cases in the community, the HA will strengthen the service capacity of seven HA Designated Clinics for COVID-19 Confirmed Cases (designated clinics) and tele-consultation service to provide medical support for confirmed patients in the community.

In order to focus manpower and resources to further enhance Designated Clinic and tele-consultation services, Shau Kei Wan Jockey Club General Out-patient Clinic, Yau Ma Tei Jockey Club General Out-patient Clinic, Lady Trench General Out-patient Clinic and Shek Wu Hui Jockey Club General Out-patient Clinic will adjust services from tomorrow (December 9), while Shun Lee General Out-patient Clinic will adjust services from December 12. Details of the service adjustment arrangements of the clinics concerned together with the service adjustment arrangements of other General Out-patient Clinics announced earlier are set out in Annex.

Chronic patients with follow-up appointments at the clinics concerned are advised to refill their drugs at the corresponding medication refill clinics on the appointment day by presenting their appointment slips and identity cards. The HA hopes the community will understand these arrangements.

The HA will maintain close contact with the Centre for Health Protection to monitor the latest developments and to inform the public and healthcare workers on the latest information in a timely manner.

As at 0.00am today (December 6), a total of 3 081 patients who tested positive for COVID-19 are currently hospitalised for treatment, including 429 new patients. Currently, there are 335 patients requiring oxygen therapy and 23 patients requiring ventilator support. Among the patients staying in isolation facilities, 685 patients are in isolation wards, 224 patients are in second-tier isolation wards and 603 patients are in the North Lantau Hospital Hong Kong Infection Control Centre, of which 269 in total are new patients. There are 14 newly reported critical patients and 14 newly reported serious patients. There are a total of 73 patients in critical condition and 86 in serious condition, of which 21 critical patients are receiving intensive care. Moreover, there are 330 patients who have recovered, including 285 patients who have been discharged. In addition, 16 patients who passed away in public hospitals were reported.

In addition, a 78-year-old male patient in a medicine and orthopedic ward of Hong Kong Buddhist Hospital tested positive for COVID-19 on December 3. Further investigation identified five more male patients (aged 66 to 89) tested positive for COVID-19. One of the patients is asymptomatic. All patients are being treated in isolation and are in stable condition. Admission and visiting arrangements for the cubicles concerned have been suspended. Thorough cleaning and disinfection operations have been conducted in the areas concerned, while infection control measures have been enhanced.

The Hospital Authority will maintain close contact with the Centre for Health Protection to monitor the latest developments and to inform the public and healthcare workers on the latest information in a timely manner.

As at 0.00am today (December 1), a total of 2 776 patients who tested positive for COVID-19 are currently hospitalised for treatment, including 373 new patients. Currently, there are 282 patients requiring oxygen therapy and 14 patients requiring ventilator support. Among the patients staying in isolation facilities, 628 patients are in isolation wards, 211 patients are in second-tier isolation wards and 590 patients are in the North Lantau Hospital Hong Kong Infection Control Centre, of which 254 in total are new patients. There are 13 newly reported critical patients and 14 newly reported serious patients. There are a total of 54 patients in critical condition and 72 are in serious condition, of which 18 critical patients are receiving intensive care. Moreover, there are 325 patients who have recovered, including 268 patients who have been discharged. In addition, 15 patients who passed away in public hospitals were reported.

The Hospital Authority (HA) has reviewed the preliminary statistics of the past week (November 23 to 29). Among the COVID-19 patients admitted through Accident and Emergency Departments, around 63 per cent were admitted due to COVID-19 infection, while around 37 per cent were admitted due to other medical reasons. For the deceased COVID-19 patients, around 73 per cent potentially died of COVID-19, while around 27 per cent died from other illnesses. The HA will keep analysing the statistics concerned so as to provide appropriate services in accordance with the situation and patient needs.

In the fifth wave of the epidemic, there are 87 476 patients who have recovered so far, including 87 052 patients who have been discharged. And since early 2020, there are 99 856 patients who have recovered, including 99 432 patients who have been discharged.

In addition, three patients in a Department of Rehabilitation and Extended Care ward of TWGHs Wong Tai Sin Hospital have tested positive for COVID-19 since November 29. All patients are symptomatic and are being treated in isolation. They are in stable condition. Admission and visiting arrangements for the cubicles concerned have been suspended. Thorough cleaning and disinfection operations have been conducted in the areas concerned, while infection control measures have been enhanced.

The Hospital Authority will maintain close contact with the Centre for Health Protection to monitor the latest developments and to inform the public and healthcare workers on the latest information in a timely manner.

As at 0.00am today (November 30), a total of 2 739 patients who tested positive for COVID-19 are currently hospitalised for treatment, including 328 new patients. Currently, there are 301 patients requiring oxygen therapy and 17 patients requiring ventilator support. Among the patients staying in isolation facilities, 605 patients are in isolation wards, 223 patients are in second-tier isolation wards and 584 patients are in the North Lantau Hospital Hong Kong Infection Control Centre, of which 226 in total are new patients. There are 7 newly reported critical patients and 10 newly reported serious patients. There are a total of 48 patients in critical condition and 82 are in serious condition, of which 15 critical patients are receiving intensive care. Moreover, there are 364 patients who have recovered, including 326 patients who have been discharged. In addition, 16 patients who passed away in public hospitals were reported.

In the fifth wave of the epidemic, there are 87 141 patients who have recovered so far, including 86 719 patients who have been discharged. And since early 2020, there are 99 521 patients who have recovered, including 99 099 patients who have been discharged.

In addition, seven patients in a Medicine and Geriatrics ward of Kwong Wah Hospital tested positive for COVID-19 since November 25, of which three patients are symptomatic. All patients are being treated under isolation. One of them is now in critical condition due to the underlying medical conditions, and the remaining patients are in stable condition. Admission and visiting arrangements for the cubicles concerned have been suspended. Thorough cleansing and disinfection operations have been conducted in the ward concerned, while infection control measures have been enhanced.

The Hospital Authority will maintain close contact with the Centre for Health Protection to monitor the latest developments and to inform the public and healthcare workers on the latest information in a timely manner.

As at 0.00am today (November 23), a total of 2 547 patients who tested positive for COVID-19 are currently hospitalised for treatment, including 342 new patients. Currently, there are 250 patients requiring oxygen therapy and 11 patients requiring ventilator support. Among the patients staying in isolation facilities, 621 patients are in isolation wards, 187 patients are in second-tier isolation wards and 587 patients are in the North Lantau Hospital Hong Kong Infection Control Centre, of which 235 in total are new patients. There are six newly reported critical patients and 16 newly reported serious patients. There are a total of 48 patients in critical condition and 67 are in serious condition, of which ten critical patients are receiving intensive care. Moreover, there are 316 patients who have recovered, including 267 patients who have been discharged. In addition, 11 patients who passed away in public hospitals were reported.

In the fifth wave of the epidemic, there are 85 049 patients who have recovered so far, including 84 632 patients who have been discharged. And since early 2020, there are 97 429 patients who have recovered, including 97 012 patients who have been discharged.

In addition, a 58-year-old female patient in an infirmary ward of the Hong Kong Buddhist Hospital tested positive for COVID-19 on November 20. Further investigation identified five more female patients (aged 43 to 66) tested positive for COVID-19, all patients are symptomatic. Among them, a patient passed away yesterday (November 22) while other patients are under isolation treatment with stable condition. Admission and visiting arrangements for the ward concerned have been suspended. Thorough cleansing and disinfection have been conducted in the areas concerned and strengthened the infection control measures.

In response to the increasing number of confirmed cases in the community, the HA will strengthen the service capacity of seven HA Designated Clinics for COVID-19 Confirmed Cases (Designated Clinics) and tele-consultation service to provide medical support for confirmed patients in the community.

In order to focus manpower and resources to further enhance Designated Clinic and tele-consultation services, Sai Ying Pun Jockey Club General Out-patient Clinic, Aberdeen Jockey Club General Out-patient Clinic, Central Kowloon Health Centre, Lady Trench General Out-patient Clinic and Tuen Mun Wu Hong Clinic will adjust services from tomorrow (November 24). Details of the service adjustment arrangements of the clinics concerned together with the service adjustment arrangements of other General Out-patient Clinics announced earlier are set out in Annex.

Chronic patients with follow-up appointments at the clinics concerned are advised to refill their drugs at the corresponding medication refill clinics on the appointment day by presenting their appointment slips and identity cards. The HA hopes the community will understand those arrangements.

As at 0.00am today (November 19), a total of 2 407patients who tested positive for COVID-19 are currently hospitalised for treatment, including 308 new patients. Currently, there are 229 patients requiring oxygen therapy and 10 patients requiring ventilator support. Among the patients staying in isolation facilities, 601 patients are in isolation wards, 195 patients are in second-tier isolation wards and 589 patients are in the North Lantau Hospital Hong Kong Infection Control Centre, of which 219 in total are new patients. There are eight newly reported critical patients and 12 newly reported serious patients. There are a total of 44 patients in critical condition and 48 are in serious condition, of which 12 critical patients are receiving intensive care. Moreover, there are 256 patients who have recovered, including 211 patients who have been discharged. In addition, nine patients who passed away in public hospitals were reported.

In the fifth wave of the epidemic, there are 83 942 patients who have recovered so far, including 83 543 patients who have been discharged. And since early 2020, there are 96 322 patients who have recovered, including 95 923 patients who have been discharged.

In addition, a 70-year-old female patient in a medicine & geriatrics ward of the Hong Kong Buddhist Hospital tested positive for COVID-19 on November 16. Further investigation identified five more female patients (aged 86-91) tested positive for COVID-19, four of whom had symptoms. All patients are being treated under isolation and are in stable condition. Admission and visiting arrangements for the ward concerned have been suspended. Thorough cleaning and disinfection have been conducted in the areas concerned, while infection control measures have been enhanced.

The Hospital Authority will maintain close contact with the Centre for Health Protection to monitor the latest developments and to inform the public and healthcare workers on the latest information in a timely manner.

As at 0.00am today (October 29), a total of 1 934 patients who tested positive for COVID-19 are currently hospitalised for treatment, including 217 new patients. Currently, there are 183 patients requiring oxygen therapy and nine patients requiring ventilator support. Among the patients staying in isolation facilities, 355 patients are in isolation wards, 120 patients are in second-tier isolation wards and 538 patients are in the North Lantau Hospital Hong Kong Infection Control Centre, of which 132 in total are new patients. There are three newly reported critical patients and seven newly reported serious patients. There are a total of 32 patients in critical condition and 39 are in serious condition, of which 10 critical patients are receiving intensive care. Moreover, there are 224 patients who have recovered, including 183 patients who have been discharged. In addition, eight patients who passed away in public hospitals were reported.

In the fifth wave of the epidemic, there are 79 082 patients who have recovered so far, including 78 730 patients who have been discharged. And since early 2020, there are 91 462 patients who have recovered, including 91 110 patients who have been discharged.

In addition, three male patients (aged 66-89) in a rehabilitation ward of the Kowloon Hospital tested positive for COVID-19 since October 26. Investigation found three more patients confirmed infection with COVID-19. Two of them are symptomatic and a patient is asymptomatic. All patients were transferred to the United Christian Hospital for isolation treatment and are in stable condition. Admission and visiting arrangements for the ward concerned have been suspended. Thorough cleaning and disinfection operations have been conducted in the ward concerned, while infection control measures have been enhanced.

The Hospital Authority will maintain close contact with the Centre for Health Protection to monitor the latest developments and to inform the public and healthcare workers on the latest information in a timely manner.

A 31-month-old boy, who is staying in the paediatric intensive care unit of Queen Elizabeth Hospital, is still in critical condition. Healthcare staff members are providing appropriate treatment for the boy.

Starting from the fifth wave of the epidemic, nine children under 11 years who tested positive for COVID-19 have passed away. Eleven critical paediatric patients have stayed in paediatric intensive care units of public hospitals in the past two months.

The Hospital Authority (HA) urges parents to arrange for their children who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 to receive vaccination immediately. The vaccination rate for children under 3 who received two doses of vaccine is only around 9 per cent at present. "COVID-19 vaccine can reduce the risk of acute complications, serious illness and death after children get infected, as well as reduce mid- or long-term after-effects after their recovery. As the influenza season approaches, we are worried children will develop serious conditions if infected with both influenza and COVID-19. Parents should arrange for their children to receive seasonal influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations as soon as possible," said HA Co-Chairman of the Coordinating Committee in Paediatrics Dr Alan So.

Moreover, as at 0.00am today (October 19), a total of 1 824 patients who tested positive for COVID-19 are currently hospitalised for treatment, including 241 new patients. Among the patients staying in isolation facilities, 443 patients are in isolation wards, 133 patients are in second-tier isolation wards, 482 patients are in the North Lantau Hospital Hong Kong Infection Control Centre, of which 158 in total are new patients. Around 10 per cent of the patients require oxygen therapy or ventilator support. There are four newly reported critical patients and five newly reported serious patients. There are a total of 22 patients in critical condition, and 29 are in serious condition, of which six critical patients are receiving intensive care. Moreover, there are 241 patients who have recovered, including 209 patients who have been discharged. In addition, 12 patients who passed away in public hospitals were reported.

In the fifth wave of the epidemic, there are 76 814 patients who have recovered so far, including 76 473 patients who have been discharged. And since early 2020, there are 89 194 patients who have recovered, including 88 853 patients who have been discharged.

The Hospital Authority will maintain close contact with the Centre for Health Protection to monitor the latest developments and to inform the public and healthcare workers on the latest information in a timely manner.

As at 0.00am today (October 18), a total of 1 834 patients who tested positive for COVID-19 are currently hospitalised for treatment, including 264 new patients. Among the patients staying in isolation facilities, 494 patients are in isolation wards, 130 patients are in second-tier isolation wards, 476 patients are in the North Lantau Hospital Hong Kong Infection Control Centre, of which 204 in total are new patients. There are seven newly reported critical patients and seven newly reported serious patients. There are a total of 23 patients in critical condition and 32 are in serious condition, of which eight critical patients are receiving intensive care. Moreover, there are 188 patients who have recovered, including 154 patients who have been discharged. In addition, seven patients who passed away in public hospitals were reported.

In the fifth wave of the epidemic, there are 76 542 patients who have recovered so far, including 76 206 patients who have been discharged. And since early 2020, there are 88 922 patients who have recovered, including 88 586 patients who have been discharged.

In addition, a 31-month-old boy was sent to the Accident and Emergency Department of Queen Elizabeth Hospital yesterday (October 17) with a fever and tested positive for COVID-19. The boy has not received COVID-19 vaccination. He is currently receiving treatment in the paediatric intensive care unit and is in critical condition. COVID-19 vaccination can effectively protect children and adolescents against COVID-19 and effectively reduce serious illness and mortality. The Hospital Authority urges parents to arrange for their children to receive COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible.

Moreover, a 90-year-old male patient in an orthopaedics and traumatology rehabilitation ward of Rehabilitation Block of Tuen Mun Hospital tested positive for COVID-19 on October 13. The hospital commenced a contact tracing investigation. Three more male patients, aged 55 to 74, also tested positive. The hospital is investigating the linkage among the cases concerned.

All patients are being treated in isolation and are in stable condition. Admission and visiting arrangements for the ward concerned have been suspended. Thorough cleaning and disinfection operations have been conducted in the areas concerned, while infection control measures have been enhanced.

The Hospital Authority will maintain close contact with the Centre for Health Protection to monitor the latest developments and to inform the public and healthcare workers on the latest information in a timely manner.

Hospital Authority announces positive patient cases detected via admission screening or testing and clusters of nosocomial COVID-19 infections

Hospital Authority announces positive patient cases detected via admission screening or testing and clusters of nosocomial COVID-19 infections

Hospital Authority announces positive patient cases detected via admission screening or testing and clusters of nosocomial COVID-19 infections

Hospital Authority announces positive patient cases detected via admission screening or testing and clusters of nosocomial COVID-19 infections

Hospital Authority announces positive patient cases detected via admission screening or testing and clusters of nosocomial COVID-19 infections

Hospital Authority announces positive patient cases detected via admission screening or testing and clusters of nosocomial COVID-19 infections

Hospital Authority announces positive patient cases detected via admission screening or testing and clusters of nosocomial COVID-19 infections

Hospital Authority announces positive patient cases detected via admission screening or testing and clusters of nosocomial COVID-19 infections

Hospital Authority announces positive patient cases detected via admission screening or testing and clusters of nosocomial COVID-19 infections

Hospital Authority announces positive patient cases detected via admission screening or testing and clusters of nosocomial COVID-19 infections

Hospital Authority announces positive patient cases detected via admission screening or testing and clusters of nosocomial COVID-19 infections

Hospital Authority announces positive patient cases detected via admission screening or testing and clusters of nosocomial COVID-19 infections

Hospital Authority announces positive patient cases detected via admission screening or testing and clusters of nosocomial COVID-19 infections

Hospital Authority announces positive patient cases detected via admission screening or testing and clusters of nosocomial COVID-19 infections

Hospital Authority announces positive patient cases detected via admission screening or testing and clusters of nosocomial COVID-19 infections

Hospital Authority announces positive patient cases detected via admission screening or testing and clusters of nosocomial COVID-19 infections

Hospital Authority announces positive patient cases detected via admission screening or testing and clusters of nosocomial COVID-19 infections

Hospital Authority announces positive patient cases detected via admission screening or testing and clusters of nosocomial COVID-19 infections

Hospital Authority announces positive patient cases detected via admission screening or testing and clusters of nosocomial COVID-19 infections

Hospital Authority announces positive patient cases detected via admission screening or testing and clusters of nosocomial COVID-19 infections

In response to the latest epidemic development and the continual surge in confirmed cases, the Hospital Authority (HA) has activated the Phase Three Bed Mobilisation Plan so as to reserve more beds and mobilise more manpower to manage patients confirmed with COVID-19 infection. In order to focus resources on anti-epidemic works, public hospitals need to curtail some non-emergency services, including some elective surgeries, day and outpatient services have already been impacted, amid some patient appointments have to be rescheduled.

The HA spokesperson announced, “To focus manpower and resources to further enhance the services of Designated Clinic and tele-consultation for supporting confirmed patients in the community, the HA will adjust the service of some General Outpatient Clinics (GOPC), including to suspend or reduce the clinic sessions of some GOPCs, starting from tomorrow (August 29).”

Episodic patients are advised to seek consultation at other GOPCs or at private practitioners. Chronic patients with follow-up appointments at the clinics concerned are advised to refill their drugs at the corresponding Medication Refill Clinics on the appointment day by presenting their appointment slips and identity cards. Details are in Annex.

In addition, the government will send text messages to citizens who have COVID-19 vaccination appointment made in the clinics concerned on the latest arrangement. For the service adjustment on the distribution of specimen collection packs and collection of specimens for of deep throat saliva test, please refer to www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/early-testing.html.

The spokesperson added, ”We appeal to the understanding of the community that the HA is sparing no effort in fighting the epidemic, which we have to adjust our service according to the development of the epidemic. The HA will continue to closely monitor the situation and service demand. If the epidemic continues to deteriorate, the HA will need to further curtail services so as to mobilise more beds and manpower to fight the epidemic.”

Hospital Authority announces positive patient cases detected via admission screening or testing and clusters of nosocomial COVID-19 infections

Hospital Authority announces positive patient cases detected via admission screening or testing and clusters of nosocomial COVID-19 infections

Hospital Authority announces positive patient cases detected via admission screening or testing and clusters of nosocomial COVID-19 infections

Hospital Authority announces positive patient cases detected via admission screening or testing and clusters of nosocomial COVID-19 infections

Hospital Authority announces positive patient cases detected via admission screening or testing and clusters of nosocomial COVID-19 infections

Hospital Authority announces positive patient cases detected via admission screening or testing and clusters of nosocomial COVID-19 infections

Hospital Authority announces positive patient cases detected via admission screening or testing and clusters of nosocomial COVID-19 infections

Hospital Authority announces positive patient cases detected via admission screening or testing and clusters of nosocomial COVID-19 infections

Hospital Authority announces positive patient cases detected via admission screening or testing and clusters of nosocomial COVID-19 infections

Hospital Authority announces positive patient cases detected via admission screening or testing and clusters of nosocomial COVID-19 infections

Hospital Authority announces positive patient cases detected via admission screening or testing and clusters of nosocomial COVID-19 infections

The Hospital Authority (HA) today (July 28) announced to update the testing requirements for visitors starting from next Monday (August 1) so as to minimise the risk of spreading virus in hospitals and enhance protection to patients.

Under the new arrangement, all visitors, including those who are recovered from COVID-19, must provide a negative COVID‐19 nucleic acid test (PCR test) result obtained within 48 hours. Visitors may opt to perform the test in Community Testing Centres or mobile specimen collection stations. Free testing services will be provided when visitors indicate to the staff on-site that the purpose of the testing is for fulfilling the requirements for visiting patients in public hospitals. Visitors may also perform the test in any recognised organisatons. The specimen must be taken through combined nasal and throat swabs and must not be taken by the person to be tested.

The HA spokesperson said, “The HA understands the needs of family members to visit patients but also considers the necessity of balancing the risks of spreading virus. Therefore, it is needed to update the testing requirements to better protect our patients.”

The testing requirements also apply to compassionate visits under specific circumstances. As for compassionate visiting arrangements for critical or end-of-life patients, testing requirements will remain unchanged. Visitors may provide either a PCR test negative result obtained within 48 hours or a rapid antigen test (RAT) negative result obtained within 24 hours before the visit. Visitor who submits a negative RAT result before the visit, is required to perform a PCR test and submit a negative test result subsequently within two days after the visit. In the situation of emergency, if the visitor cannot arrange testing in advance, a RAT must be performed, and the test result must be provided right after the visit. In addition, a negative PCR test result needs to be submitted within two days after the visit.

The spokesperson reiterated that visitors are also required to comply with the requirement of the Vaccine Pass, including having received the required dosage of COVID-19 vaccine or being recovered persons of COVID-19 in the Government’s record, and holding the relevant vaccination record or record of recovered person. Visitors need to scan the “LeaveHomeSafe” venue QR code when entering public hospitals. In addition, as public hospitals update testing requirements for visitors, persons having COVID-19 Vaccination Medical Exemption Certificate with valid exemption in Vaccine Pass are allowed to visit if they fulfill the testing requirements from August 1.

Moreover, visitors are required to comply with the infection control measures, such as wearing surgical masks, temperature checking and filling in health declaration forms found in the HA webpage or the mobile app ‘HA Go’ 24 hours before the visit and show the QR code generated by the system to ward staff.

Hospital staff will contact relatives for appointment. Relatives are not required to call the hospital for booking themselves.

The HA hopes the patients’ family members can understand and comply with the visiting arrangements under the current epidemic situation. All hospitals will continue to facilitate compassionate and video visiting as far as practicable.

Hospital Authority announces positive patient cases detected via admission screening or testing and clusters of nosocomial COVID-19 infections

Hospital Authority announces positive patient cases detected via admission screening or testing and clusters of nosocomial COVID-19 infections

Hospital Authority announces positive patient cases detected via admission screening or testing and clusters of nosocomial COVID-19 infections

Hospital Authority announces positive patient cases detected via admission screening or testing and clusters of nosocomial COVID-19 infections

Hospital Authority announces positive patient cases detected via admission screening or testing and clusters of nosocomial COVID-19 infections

Hospital Authority announces positive patient cases detected via admission screening or testing and clusters of nosocomial COVID-19 infections

Hospital Authority announces positive patient cases detected via admission screening or testing and clusters of nosocomial COVID-19 infections

Hospital Authority announces positive patient cases detected via admission screening or testing and clusters of nosocomial COVID-19 infections

Hospital Authority announces positive patient cases detected via admission screening or testing and clusters of nosocomial COVID-19 infections

Hospital Authority announces positive patient cases detected via admission screening or testing and clusters of nosocomial COVID-19 infections

Hospital Authority announces positive patient cases detected via admission screening or testing and clusters of nosocomial COVID-19 infections

Hospital Authority announces positive patient cases detected via admission screening or testing and clusters of nosocomial COVID-19 infections

Hospital Authority announces positive patient cases detected via admission screening or testing and clusters of nosocomial COVID-19 infections

Hospital Authority announces positive patient cases detected via admission screening or testing and clusters of nosocomial COVID-19 infections

Hospital Authority announces positive patient cases detected via admission screening or testing and clusters of nosocomial COVID-19 infections

The Hospital Authority today (June 6) announced information regarding patients who tested positive via admission screening or testing with patients or staff members identified as close contacts and nosocomial COVID-19 infection cases.

The following are the statistics of patients who tested positive via admission screening or by testing in public hospitals with patients or staff members identified as close contacts:

Hospital/clinic : Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Number of patients who tested positive : 1
Number of patients identified as close contacts : 1
Number of staff members without appropriate personal protective equipment identified as close contacts : -

Thorough cleaning and disinfection operations have been performed in the affected areas by the hospital. The hospital will continue to closely monitor the health conditions of patients and staff members, and communicate with the Centre for Health Protection on the latest situation.

There have been no clusters of nosocomial infection cases reported in public hospitals today.

The Hospital Authority (HA) announced today (May 19) that, in view of the latest stabilised epidemic situation and the increasing service demand, the Accident and Emergency (A&E) Departments of Tin Shui Wai Hospital (TSWH), Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) and North Lantau Hospital (NLTH) will resume normal services gradually from tomorrow (May 20).

The HA spokesperson said, "A&E Departments adopt a triage system, under which priority for services will be given to patients with more severe conditions. To alleviate the pressure on the services of A&E Departments, other patients are advised to attend consultation at general out-patient clinics or general practitioner clinics."

In response to the epidemic, the A&E Departments of TSWH, QEH and NLTH have implemented special arrangements earlier to admit patients only in emergency medical condition.

The HA thanked members of the public for their understanding on the special arrangements implemented in the A&E Departments of the three hospitals earlier and expressed its gratitude to healthcare staff, the Fire Services Department and other government departments for their co-operation and assistance.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

The spokesman for Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) made the following announcement today (April 13) regarding a patient being transferred to the Treatment Centre for COVID-19 (AWE):

​ A 79-year-old female patient living in a residential care home attended Accident & Emergency Department of QEH on April 9 evening due to urinary tract infection. She was admitted to a medical ward for treatment and tested negative for COVID-19 in admission screening. Her condition gradually became stable and doctor arranged her for transferring to convalescent hospital in Kowloon Central Cluster for further management.

​ The ward staff arranged patient transfer on April 12 but she was accidentally arranged to Treatment Centre for COVID-19 (AWE). The patient arrived the Treatment Centre for COVID-19 (AWE) at about 7pm and was admitted to a single patient cubicle. Ward staff in QEH reviewed the patient information at around 8pm and realised the inappropriate arrangement, and immediately contacted the staff of the Treatment Centre for COVID-19 (AWE). The patient concerned did not have meals and all along wore surgical mask while she was staying in the Treatment Centre for COVID-19 (AWE) for around one hour.

​ The patient was sent back to QEH on the same evening for continuous treatment. She tested negative for COVID-19 and is now in stable condition. She is classified as a close contact and her health condition will be closely monitored.

​ QEH is very concerned about the incident and expressed apology to the patient and relatives. Patient Relations Officer would maintain close communication with relatives and provide the necessary assistance. The hospital has reported the incident to the Hospital Authority Head Office through the Advance Incidents Reporting System, and has again reminded staff to conduct risk assessment before patient transfer and add clear tags in patient records to differentiate patient identity.

The Hospital Authority (HA) announced today (March 13) that Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) in Kowloon Central Cluster (KCC) has been converted to a designated hospital for COVID-19 patients and the process went smoothly. Most of the non-COVID-19 patients staying in the wards located at Main Blocks have been discharged, or transferred to public or private hospitals according to their clinical conditions, so as to vacate the beds for admitting serious COVID-19 patients. Individual patients who are unfit for transfer would stay in QEH for treatment.

To complement the operation of designated hospital, the Accident and Emergency Department (A&E) of QEH will only admit serious COVID-19 patients, life threatening and pregnant lady ambulance cases. QEH strongly appeals to COVID-19 patients without or with mild symptoms to avoid attending its A&E. These patients will not be arranged for admission to the hospital. COVID-19 patients with mild symptoms, who have medical need are advised to make appointment for consultation at designated clinics. The hospital will reserve a certain number of beds as a buffer to receive non-COVID-19 emergency cases.

“The conversion of QEH to designated hospital for COVID-19 patients will provide around 1 300 beds for severe COVID-19 patients. The measure can help concentrate manpower and resources to manage patients upon the severe epidemic situation. Counting on the Central Authorities’ strong support for Hong Kong, the Special Administrative Government and HA will continue to adhere to the epidemic control strategy of ‘reducing death, reducing severe cases and reducing transmission’, and to strengthen the capability in treatment in public hospitals,” the Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Sophia Chan said.

The Cluster Chief Executive of KCC, Dr Eric Cheung said, " Converting QEH to a COVID-19 designated hospital within a few days is an unprecedented challenge and the task can only be achieved by seamless inter-departmental cooperation. Meanwhile, I would like to express my gratitude to the support rendered by other clusters and hospitals for sharing ambulance cases and admitting non-COVID-19 patients amid the severe epidemic situation. This achievement is the realisation of the HA united spirit.”

The HA expressed the deepest gratitude to all sectors of community for the support on the success of conversion, including the Fire Services Department, Auxiliary Medical Service and St John Ambulance for coordinating the transportation of patients and the “Police Medic Special Duty Team” of the Hong Kong Police Force in assisting the non-emergency ambulance service in various hospitals. The staunch support and participation from different sectors of the community contributed to the work of conversion of the designated hospital.

The HA expressed apology to the patients affected, appealed to patients and members of the public for understanding, and thanked for their co-operation. The HA will closely monitor the demand of healthcare services in the community and the operation of QEH to provide appropriate medical support to the residents in Kowloon Central.

As Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) was converted to designated hospital yesterday, the Hospital Authority (HA) announced today (10 March) that more than one-fourth of the patients to be discharged or transferred to other hospitals have been managed, and the remaining patients will be transferred out or discharged in the coming few days. Meanwhile, QEH has also identified around 60 patients suitable for transferring to two private hospitals. Private hospitals have preliminarily agreed to receive around 20 patients. QEH will continue to liaise with private hospitals and hope that they could try to receive the non-COVID-19 cases in the hospital. HA thanks the frontline staff, various clusters and hospitals for their full support in assisting the smooth arrangement of hospital transfer.

HA reminded the public that the Accident and Emergency Department (AED) of QEH will only admit life threatening and pregnant lady ambulance cases currently. Other patients are requested not to attend, or will impose heavy burden to frontline staff and affect the patient transfer arrangement. For those patients with medical needs, they may attend AED in other hospitals. COVID-19 patients with mild symptoms may book appointment and seek consultation at 17 designated clinics.

HA announced that there will be another hospital converted to designated hospital. Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Fung Yiu King Hospital (FYKH) in Hong Kong West Cluster (HKWC) will utilize the entire 260 beds to admit COVID-19 patients from midnight tomorrow (11 March) onwards. The contingency measure can help concentrate manpower and resources to manage patients upon the severe epidemic situation.

The patients staying in FYKH have been transferred to the The Duchess of Kent Children's Hospital at Sandy Bay and MacLehose Medical Rehabilitation Centre nearby, so as to vacate the beds for admitting COVID-19 patients. The Geriatric Day Hospital service in FYKH has been suspended. Affected patients have been notified by the staff members for the arrangement.

The Hospital Chief Executive of FYKH, Dr Chan Kam-hoi said, “the hospital has enhanced various clinical and non-clinical support services, including the extension of operation hours of the admission office, beefing up of specimen transportation schedules and various essential supplies etc. The hospital will also collaborate closely with the various teams in HKWC on enhancing the cluster-based support.”

FYKH has planned designated arrival and departure routes for COVID-19 patients in accordance with infection control guideline. The hospital has also strengthened ventilation and provided proper personal protective equipment and infection control training to the staff. The hospital has sufficient stockpile of personal protective equipment, and would strive to safeguard the wellbeing of patients, staff members and residents in the community.

HA expressed apology to the patients affected, appealed to patients and members of the public for understanding, and thanked for their co-operation. HA will closely monitor the demand of healthcare services in the community and the operation of FYKH to provide appropriate medical support to the residents.

The Hospital Authority (HA) announced that Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) in Kowloon Central Cluster (KCC) will be converted to designated hospital for COVID-19 patients from today (March 9) onwards. The hospital will utilise around 1500 beds in Main Blocks to admit severe COVID-19 patients. The contingency measure can help concentrate manpower and resources to manage patients upon the severe epidemic situation.

Non-COVID-19 patients staying in the wards located at Main Blocks would be transferred to other hospitals in phases according to their clinical conditions, amid suitable patients would be transferred to private hospitals, so as to vacate the beds for admitting COVID-19 patients. Individual patients who are unfit for transfer would stay in QEH for treatment. The hospital has set up a central command centre to monitor the patient transfer process.

The Accident and Emergency Departments (AEDs) of QEH and Kwong Wah Hospital in KCC will only admit life threatening and pregnant lady ambulance cases from today to Saturday for admitting the confirmed COVID-19 patients currently awaiting in the two AEDs. From Sunday onwards, QEH AED will only admit confirmed COVID-19 patients and emergency cases in its cluster, while ambulances will send other patients to the AED of Kwong Wah Hospital directly.

The Cluster Chief Executive of KCC, Dr Eric Cheung said, “the two AEDs in KCC have been facing immense pressure over the past two weeks. Unprecedented pressure resulted from the influx of COVID-19 patients has far beyond our capacity and imposed heavy burden to frontline healthcare workers. Meanwhile, the situation in other hospitals within the cluster is also stringent. Converting QEH to designated hospital could prioritise resources and manpower to manage the severe patients, in particular the elderly patients with poor clinical condition to reduce their risk of mortality, amid to alleviate the pressure of frontline healthcare workers.”

Some appointments for elective surgeries, allied health, radiology and hemodialysis services will be rescheduled, or will be arranged to continue their treatment in other hospitals or via telecare. Patients affected will be notified by staff members as early as practicable. Individual blocks and departments in the hospital will maintain services, including the Jockey Club Institute of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Specialist Out-patient Clinics in Ambulatory Care Centre and etc.

The hospital would strengthen infection control measures and ventilation in wards in accordance with established infection control guideline. The infection control team would visit the wards and advise healthcare workers on infection control knowledge. The hospital has sufficient stockpile of personal protective equipment, and accommodation in hotels nearby the hospital have been reserved for staff in need.

The HA expressed apology to the patients affected, appealed to patients and members of the public for understanding, and thanked for their co-operation. The HA will closely monitor the demand of healthcare services in the community and the operation of QEH to provide appropriate medical support to the residents in Kowloon Central.

​As at 0.00am today (February 16), a total of 2 654 patients who are suspected of having or have tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus are currently being treated in the North Lantau Hospital Hong Kong Infection Control Centre, the Hospital Authority (HA) Infectious Disease Centre, the Community Treatment Facility at AsiaWorld-Expo and public hospitals, including 16 critical confirmed patients (case numbers: 14814, 17506, 17550, 18489, 18881, 20463, 22887, 22947, 23156, 23314, 23348, 24016, 24674, 24675, 24702 and 24750). There were 238 patients discharged yesterday (February 15).

In addition, there are around 2 000 patients isolated in the Community Isolation Facility in Penny's Bay.

There are 10 confirmed or preliminarily confirmed patients passed away since yesterday, including a 100-year-old female patient succumbed in Tseung Kwan O Hospital at 8.01pm yesterday, and a three-year-old girl succumbed in Hong Kong Children's Hospital at 8.37pm yesterday. Both cases were announced last night.

In addition, a 82-year-old female patient succumbed at Caritas Medical Centre (CMC) at 3.45am yesterday morning; a 72-year-old male patient succumbed at Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) at 10.14pm yesterday; a 90-year-old female patient succumbed at Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital (PYNEH) at 10.17pm yesterday; a 75-year-old female patient succumbed at United Christian Hospital at 11.07pm yesterday; a 97-year-old male patient succumbed at Queen Mary Hospital at 2.26am this morning; a 97-year-old female patient succumbed at QEH at 5.55am this morning; a 37-year-old male patient succumbed at PYNEH at 9.53am this morning, and a 74-year-old male patient succumbed at CMC at 3.30pm today.

Including the above-mentioned cases, 225 COVID-19 confirmed or preliminarily confirmed patients have passed away in public hospitals so far.

The HA will maintain close contact with the Centre for Health Protection to monitor the latest developments and to inform the public and healthcare workers on the latest information in a timely manner.

The spokesman for the Hospital Authority announced today (February 15) that two patients confirmed with COVID-19 infection passed away with details as follows:

A 100-year-old female patient with chronic illness tested preliminarily positive for COVID-19 was admitted to Tseung Kwan O Hospital for isolation treatment on February 14. Her condition suddenly deteriorated tonight and eventually succumbed at 8.01pm.

In addition, a three-year-old girl tested positive for COVID-19 was transferred to Hong Kong Children's Hospital paediatric intensive care unit in critical condition on February 13. The patient's condition continued to deteriorate and eventually succumbed at 8.37pm.

The hospitals are saddened about the passing away of the patients and would offer the necessary assistance to their families.

Including these two patients, 217 patients confirmed or preliminary confirmed for COVID-19 infection passed away in public hospitals so far.

The Hospital Authority today (February 15) announced the following preliminary positive COVID-19 patient cases detected via admission screening or testing:

A 98-year-old female patient in a medical ward of Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital tested preliminarily positive during an admission screening yesterday (February 14). The patient is being treated under isolation and is in stable condition. The hospital's infection control team has conducted contact tracing. Eleven patients who stayed with the patient concerned in the same cubicle were identified as close contacts and will be isolated for quarantine.

Two female patients, aged 91 and 92, in a medical and geriatrics ward of Kwong Wah Hospital tested negative during an admission screening on February 12. After the admission, both patients tested preliminarily positive on February 13 and yesterday respectively during regular tests. The patients are being treated under isolation in stable condition. The hospital's infection control team has conducted contact tracing. Fifteen patients who stayed with the patients concerned in the same ward were identified as close contacts. Three of them were discharged. The hospital has reported to the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) for follow-up. The remaining patients are now being isolated for quarantine. In addition, a 79-year-old male patient was admitted to the medical and geriatrics ward on February 11. He tested preliminarily positive during contact tracing screening yesterday. The patient is being treated under isolation in stable condition. The hospital's infection control team has conducted contact tracing and 19 patients who stayed with the patient concerned in the same cubicle were identified as close contacts. Five of them were discharged. The hospital has reported to the CHP for follow-up. The remaining patients are being isolated for quarantine.

An 87-year-old male patient in a medical ward of Queen Elizabeth Hospital tested preliminarily positive yesterday. The patient is being treated under isolation with stable condition. The hospital's infection control team has conducted contact tracing. Two patients who stayed with the patient concerned in the same cubicle were identified as close contacts and will be isolated for quarantine. Admission to the ward has been suspended.

Two female patients, aged 83 and 95, in a medical ward of United Christian Hospital tested preliminarily positive during admission screening on February 13. The patients are being treated under isolation in stable condition. The hospital's infection control team has conducted contact tracing. Two patients who stayed with the patient concerned in the same cubicle were identified as close contacts and will be isolated for quarantine.

A 46-year-old male patient in a medicine and geriatrics ward of Princess Margaret Hospital tested preliminarily positive during an admission screening yesterday. The patient is being treated under isolation and is in critical condition. The hospital's infection control team has conducted contact tracing. One patient who stayed with the patient concerned in the same cubicle was identified as a close contact and will be isolated for quarantine.

A 28-year-old female patient was admitted to orthopaedics & traumatology ward of Yan Chai Hospital yesterday and was discharged after treatment in the same afternoon. Her preliminary positive test result for the admission screening was available after discharge. The hospital has referred the case to the CHP to follow up. The hospital's infection control team has conducted contact tracing. Seven patients who stayed with the patient concerned in the same cubicle were identified as close contacts and will be isolated for quarantine. In addition, a 79-year-old female patient in a medical ward tested preliminarily positive during an admission screening on February 13. She is being treated under isolation and is in stable condition. The hospital's infection control team has conducted contact tracing. Six patients who stayed with the patient concerned in the same cubicle were identified as close contacts and will be isolated for quarantine.

A 55-year-old male patient in a medical ward of North District Hospital tested preliminarily positive during an admission screening today. The patient is being treated under isolation and is in serious condition. The hospital's infection control team has conducted contact tracing. Four patients who stayed with the patient concerned in the same cubicle were identified as close contacts and will be isolated for quarantine.

A 77-year-old male patient in a medicine & geriatrics ward of Tuen Mun Hospital tested preliminarily positive during an admission screening yesterday. The patient is being treated under isolation in stable condition. The hospital's infection control team has conducted contact tracing. Seven patients who stayed with the patient concerned in the same cubicle were identified as close contacts and will be isolated for quarantine. Another two nurses who did not put on face shield while providing nursing care for the preliminary positive case were also identified as close contact and required quarantine. In addition, a 56-year-old female patient admitted to a surgical ward of Tuen Mun Hospital yesterday and was discharged in the same afternoon. She received admission screening and the test result available today was preliminarily positive. The hospital has referred the case to the CHP to follow up. The hospital's infection control team has conducted contact tracing. Six patients who stayed with the patient concerned in the same cubicle were identified as close contacts and will be isolated for quarantine. Another nurse was also identified as a close contact as the patient did not wear mask while receiving care from the nurse.

Thorough cleaning and disinfection operations have been performed in the affected areas by the hospitals. The hospitals will continue to communicate with the CHP on the latest situation.

The Hospital Authority today (February 15) announced that the following staff members are confirmed or preliminarily confirmed as having COVID-19 infection:

Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital (Two nurses, an administrative staff member and a supporting staff member)
Ruttonjee Hospital (A physiotherapist, a supporting staff member and an administrative staff member)
Tung Wah Eastern Hospital (A doctor)
Queen Mary Hospital (Four nurses and four supporting staff members)
Tung Wah Hospital (A doctor)
Tsan Yuk Hospital (A nurse)
Queen Elizabeth Hospital (A doctor, a nurse, an administrative staff member and four supporting staff members)
Kwong Wah Hospital (Three nurses)
Hong Kong Children’s Hospital (A nurse, a dietitian and a supporting staff member)
Hong Kong Buddhist Hospital (Three supporting staff members)
Hong Kong Eye Hospital (An administrative staff member)
Kowloon Hospital (Two supporting staff members)
Wu York Yu General Out-patient Clinic (A doctor, an administrative staff member and a supporting staff member)
Yau Ma Tei Jockey Club General Out-patient Clinic (A social worker)
United Christian Hospital (Five nurses, a social worker, an administrative staff members and two supporting staff members)
Tseung Kwan O Hospital (A radiographer and a supporting staff member)
Haven of Hope Hospital (An administrative staff member and a supporting staff member)
Kowloon Bay Health Centre General Out-patient Clinic (A nurse and an administrative staff member)
Yung Fung Shee Memorial Centre (A supporting staff member)
Princess Margaret Hospital (Three supporting staff members)
Caritas Medical Centre (A student nurse and a supporting staff member)
Kwai Chung Hospital (A nurse)
North Lantau Hospital (A supporting staff member)
Tai O Jockey Club General Out-patient Clinic (A nurse)
Prince of Wales Hospital (A doctor, a nurse, a physiotherapist and six supporting staff members)
North District Hospital (A nurse, an administrative staff member and a supporting staff members)
Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital(A nurse and a supporting staff member)
Cheshire Home, Shatin (A supporting staff member)
Tai Po Hospital (Two nurses)
Tuen Mun Hospital (Two doctors, two nurses and two supporting staff members)
Pok Oi Hospital (Three nurses and a supporting staff member)
Tin Shui Wai Hospital (Two nurses and three supporting staff members)
Castle Peak Hospital (A doctor and three supporting staff members)
Siu Lam Hospital (A nurse)
Tin Shui Wai (Tin Yip Road) Community Health Centre (A supporting staff member)

Hospitals concerned have conducted contact tracing as required and arranged cleaning for disinfection. All related staff members had worn appropriate personal protective equipment at work. No patient has been identified as close contact so far. Since some of the above-mentioned staff members had been eating or chatting, etc. with other staff members without wearing masks, 31 staff members have been identified as close contacts. Arrangement will be made for them to be quarantined and tested as required.

In light of the deteriorating epidemic situation, the HA again reminds its staff to minimise social activities and avoid having meals with other staff members. Staff members should also wear appropriate personal protective equipment at work.

The Hospital Authority (HA) announced today (February 15) that it will commence operating a telephone hotline today and activate seven designated clinics tomorrow (February 16) to cope with the rapid and huge increase in the number of confirmed patients, which has overwhelmed the capacity of isolation facilities of public hospitals and the community treatment and isolation facilities.

"The hotline 1836 115 will operate daily from 8am to 10pm seven days a week beginning today to answer enquiries on medical information and provide infection control advice for people pending admission to isolation facilities upon confirmed infection," an HA spokesman said.

"In addition, seven designated clinics for confirmed cases of COVID-19 (see Annex) will also be activated from tomorrow to help provide diagnosis and treatment for the people with mild symptoms of infection, such as fever, cough or sore throat, after being notified by the Department of Health on their positive results and while awaiting hospital admission."

The spokesman pointed out that in order to implement appropriate infection control arrangements, people seeking consultation must make appointments by telephone to avoid people queuing at the clinics. The healthcare staff of the designated clinics will provide appropriate treatment according to the patient's clinical condition, and will transfer the patient to hospital for further treatment if required.

"The designated clinics will be open from Monday to Sunday, including public holidays, from 9am to 1pm and from 2pm to 5pm. Eligible patients should call the selected designated clinic to make an appointment, and will be provided the earliest appointment time slot in the next 24 hours," he said.

Designated clinics are equipped with the necessary software and hardware, including ventilation equipment, patient segregation setup and triage arrangements, patient consultation protocols, infection control measures and other equipment to protect patients, staff and the neighbouring community. The clinics will also provide appropriate training for staff members.

Normal general out-patient services at the designated clinics will be suspended for the time being. Episodic patients with appointments made at the seven clinics via telephone booking or the mobile application "HA GO" are advised to seek consultation at other general out-patient clinics (GOPCs) or at private clinics. Chronic patients with follow-up appointments at the clinics are advised to refill their drugs at the Medication Refill Clinics (see Annex) on the appointment day by presenting their appointment slips and identity cards.

Vaccination services (including those for COVID-19, seasonal influenza and pneumococcal vaccination) at the seven clinics will also be suspended. Eligible citizens who intended to receive vaccinations are advised to go to other selected GOPCs or service points for the vaccinations. The Government will send text messages to citizens who have made appointments for COVID-19 vaccination at the seven designated clinics and advise them to go to other community vaccination centres for vaccination services.

The distribution of deep throat saliva specimen collection packs and the collection service for specimens at the seven designated clinics will also be suspended. Citizens are advised to go to other selected GOPCs or service points designated by the Government for obtaining the specimen collection packs and submitting the specimens. Details on the specimen collection packs distribution points and specimen collection points are available at the following website: www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/early-testing.html.

In addition, in order to focus manpower and resources to support the services of the seven designated clinics, Kam Tin Clinic in Yuen Long will also temporarily suspend services from February 16. The clinic will contact chronic patients with follow-up appointments to make alternative arrangements.

The HA will closely monitor the service needs and operation of the telephone hotline and the designated clinics to dovetail with the latest developments of the epidemic. The HA once again thanks the public for their patience and being accommodating in complying with the arrangements so that the isolation facilities in public hospitals can accord priority to the elderly and the young and patients with special medical needs. With the gradual increase in community treatment and isolation facilities, the remaining confirmed patients will be admitted in an orderly manner.

The spokesman for the Hospital Authority made the following announcement today (February 14) on clusters of nosocomial COVID-19 infections:

Following two nurses and a student nurse working in Ruttonjee Hospital testing positive for COVID-19 on February 7, 10 and 11, the hospital has conducted contact tracing. One patient care assistant who works in the same ward tested positive for COVID-19 today. So far no additional hospital staff members or patients have been identified as close contacts.

An 88-year-old female patient in a neurosurgery ward of Queen Elizabeth Hospital tested preliminarily positive for COVID-19 yesterday (February 13). The hospital's infection control team immediately conducted contact tracing and arranged testing for all patients and staff members in the ward concerned. Seven patients who stayed with the patient concerned in the same cubicle were classified as close contacts and will be isolated for quarantine. A 97-year old female patient tested preliminarily positive today and is currently under isolation. An 87-year-old female patient's test showed an equivocal result and requires repeat testing. Both patients are in stable condition. All staff members were equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment during work and none of them has been identified as a close contact. The ward has suspended admission of new cases since yesterday, while clinical services remain normal.

Regarding the cluster of cases in a medical and geriatrics ward announced by Shatin Hospital on February 11, a 32-year-old male nurse tested preliminarily positive today and is in stable condition.

Regarding Tuen Mun Hospital's announcement on the case of a 44-year-old obstetrics and gynaecology female patient testing positive for COVID-19 on February 11, among the 10 patients being classified as close contacts, apart from a 39-year-old female patient and a 45-year-old female patient testing preliminarily positive, a 29-year-old female patient also tested preliminarily positive for COVID-19 today. The ward concerned has suspended admission since February 11.

A 101-year-old male patient who was admitted to a medical ward of Pok Oi Hospital on February 9 tested preliminarily positive on February 12. The patient is being treated under isolation and is in stable condition. The hospital's infection control team has conducted contact tracing. A 75-year-old male patient in the same cubicle tested preliminarily positive today. Six patients who stayed with the patient concerned in the same cubicle were classified as close contacts. One of them has passed away due to his underlying disease. The ward concerned has suspended admission since February 12.

On the other hand, a nurse working in the isolation ward of United Christian Hospital is classified as a close contact and will be quarantined as she did not have eye protection while providing nursing care for a preliminary positive case because the patient is in critical condition. The hospital has reminded staff members to wear appropriate personal protective equipment at work.

The hospitals will continue to closely monitor the health conditions of patients and staff members and communicate with the Centre for Health Protection on the latest situation.

The Hospital Authority today (February 14) announced the following preliminary positive COVID-19 patient cases detected via admission screening or testing:

An 84-year-old male patient in an orthopaedics and traumatology ward of Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital tested preliminarily positive during an admission screening yesterday. The patient is being treated under isolation and is in stable condition. The hospital's infection control team has conducted contact tracing. Seven patients who stayed with the patient concerned in the same cubicle were identified as close contacts and will be isolated for quarantine. Among the patients, one has been discharged and referred to the Department of Health for follow up.

A 28-year-old female patient in an obstetrics ward of Kwong Wah Hospital tested preliminarily positive during an admission screening yesterday. The patient is being treated under isolation and is in stable condition. The hospital's infection control team has conducted contact tracing. One patient who stayed with the patient concerned in the same ward was identified as a close contact and will be isolated for quarantine. In addition, a 51-year-old female patient was admitted to the neurosurgical ward on February 10. She tested preliminarily positive during the contact tracing screening on February 12. The patient is being treated under isolation and is in stable condition. The hospital's infection control team has conducted contact tracing for this case. Three patients who stayed with the patient concerned in the same cubicle were identified as close contacts. Two of them were discharged. The hospital has reported to the Centre for Health Protection for follow-up. The remaining patient is now being isolated for quarantine.

A 77-year-old male patient in a surgical ward of Caritas Medical Centre tested preliminarily positive during an admission screening yesterday. The patient is being treated under isolation and is in stable condition. The hospital's infection control team has conducted contact tracing. Seven patients who stayed with the patient concerned in the same cubicle were identified as close contacts and will be isolated for quarantine.

A 79-year-old male patient in an orthopaedics and traumatology ward of Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital tested negative during an admission screening on February 10. After the admission, the patient tested preliminarily positive yesterday during a regular test. The patient is being treated under isolation and is in stable condition. The hospital's infection control team has conducted contact tracing. Seven patients who stayed with the patient concerned in the same cubicle were identified as close contacts and will be isolated for quarantine

A 54-year-old male patient in a surgical medical ward of North District Hospital tested preliminarily positive during an admission screening yesterday. The hospital's infection control team has conducted contact tracing. Five patients who stayed with the patient concerned in the same cubicle were identified as close contacts and will be isolated for quarantine. The patient concerned was discharged based on his clinical condition before the testing result was available. In addition, a 51-year-old male patient in an orthopaedic ward was discharged on February 11. He then tested preliminarily positive yesterday for the enhanced screening for attending day service. The hospital's infection control team has conducted contact tracing. Six patients who stayed with the patient concerned earlier in the same cubicle were identified as close contacts and will be isolated for quarantine. The Centre for Health Protection will continue to follow up on the discharged cases concerned.

Thorough cleaning and disinfection operations have been performed in the affected areas by the hospitals. The hospitals will continue to communicate with the Centre for Health Protection on the latest situation.

The Hospital Authority (HA) today (February 14) announced that the following staff members in public hospitals and clinics are confirmed or preliminarily confirmed as having COVID-19 infection:

Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital (Three supporting staff members)
Tung Wah Eastern Hospital (A social worker)
Queen Mary Hospital (A doctor, a nurse and two supporting staff members)
Tung Wah Hospital (A nurse)
Queen Elizabeth Hospital (A doctor and two nurses)
Kwong Wah Hospital (A nurse and a supporting staff member)
United Christian Hospital (A doctor and four supporting staff members)
Lam Tin Polyclinic General Out-patient Clinic (A doctor)
Mona Fong General Out-patient Clinic (Two supporting staff members)
Princess Margaret Hospital (A nurse)
Caritas Medical Centre (A doctor, a nurse, a radiographer and a supporting staff member)
Yan Chai Hospital (Three supporting staff members)
Kwai Chung Hospital (A nurse)
Prince of Wales Hospital (A nurse)
Shatin Hospital (A supporting staff member)
Tuen Mun Hospital (Two doctors, a nurse and two supporting staff members)
Pok Oi Hospital (A physiotherapist and a supporting staff member)
Siu Lam Hospital (A supporting staff member)

The hospitals and clinics concerned have conducted contact tracing as required and arranged cleaning for disinfection. All related staff members had worn appropriate personal protective equipment at work. No patient has been identified as a close contact so far. Since some of the above-mentioned staff members had been eating or chatting, etc, with other staff members without wearing masks, 28 staff members have been identified as close contacts. Arrangements will be made for them to be quarantined and tested as required.

In light of the deteriorating epidemic situation, the HA again reminds its staff to minimise social activities and avoid having meals with other staff members. Staff members should also wear appropriate personal protective equipment at work.

The Hospital Authority today (February 13) announced that the following staff members are confirmed or preliminarily confirmed for COVID-19 infection:

Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital (A doctor, a nurse and a physiotherapist)
Anne Black General Out-patient Clinic (A supporting staff member)
Queen Mary Hospital (Three nurses and a supporting staff member)
Tung Wah Hospital (A nurse)
Tsan Yuk Hospital (An administrative staff member)
Hong Kong Children's Hospital (Two nurses and an administrative staff member)
Kwong Wah Hospital (A nurse and a phlebotomist)
Kowloon Hospital (A nurse)
Our Lady of Maryknoll Hospital (A doctor)
Queen Elizabeth Hospital (A nurse and a supporting staff member)
Tseung Kwan O Hospital (A supporting staff member)
United Christian Hospital (A nurse and two administrative staff members)
Caritas Medical Centre (A doctor and a supporting staff member)
Yan Chai Hospital (A nurse)
North District Hospital (A dispenser)
Prince of Wales Hospital (Four nurses, a medical technologist and a supporting staff member)
Tuen Mun Hospital (A doctor, a nurse, an administrative staff member and three supporting staff members)
Tin Shui Wai (Tin Yip Road) Community Health Centre (A nurse)

Hospitals concerned have conducted contact tracing as required and arranged cleaning for disinfection. All related staff members had worn appropriate personal protective equipment at work. No patient has been identified as close contact so far. Since some of the above-mentioned staff members had been eating or chatting, etc. with other staff members without wearing masks, 23 staff members have been identified as close contacts. Arrangement will be made for them to be quarantined and tested as required.

In light of the deteriorating epidemic situation, the HA again reminds its staff to minimise social activities and avoid having meals with other staff members. Staff members should also wear appropriate personal protective equipment at work.

The spokesman for the Hospital Authority made the following announcement today (February 12) on clusters of nosocomial infections of COVID-19:

Regarding the cluster of cases in a medical ward announced by Caritas Medical Centre on February 10, one more nurse tested preliminarily positive and is in stable condition.

Regarding the cluster of cases in a medical and geriatrics ward announced by Shatin Hospital yesterday (February 11), one nurse and one occupational therapist tested preliminarily positive. The two staff members are in stable condition.

Following United Christian Hospital's announcement on 65-year-old female patient of a surgical ward confirmed positive for COVID-19 announced by on February 10, a 92-year-old female patient, who is one of the five close contacts of the patient concerned, tested preliminarily positive today.

A nurse in a surgical ward of the Hong Kong Children's Hospital was preliminarily tested positive for COVID-19, following an executive assistant who was confirmed positive earlier. The ward has suspended admission of non-emergency new cases from last night till next Monday, while emergency services remain normal.

Following a nursing staff of Yan Chai Hospital tested preliminarily positive for COVID-19 earlier (February 8), one nurse who works in the same ward, being a close contact, tested preliminary positive for COVID-19 on February 11 during quarantine. Her last duty date is February 7. The staff concerned is in stable condition.

Following a registered nurse working at emergency medicine ward at North Lantau Hospital tested positive for COVID-19 on February 6, an outsourced cleaner who worked in the same ward tested preliminarily positive yesterday. The concerned outsourced cleaner had performed cleansing in the ward and was equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment at work. The hospital's infection control team conducted contact tracing immediately, so far no hospital staff and patients were identified as close contact.

A patient care assistant working in Cheshire Home, Chung Hom Kok tested positive for COVID-19 on February 10. The hospital's infection control team conducted contact tracing immediately and arranged testing for all patients in the ward concerned. One 90-year-old female patient tested positive on February 12. The patient is being treated under isolation and is in stable condition. Three patients in the same cubicle were identified as close contacts and required further monitoring. All staff members were equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment during patient care and none of them is identified as a close contact. Admission to the ward concerned had been suspended and thorough cleansing and disinfection were arranged.

Regarding recent cases of patient care assistants (PCA) of physiotherapy department of Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital tested positive for COVID-19, the hospital has conducted contact tracing. One more PCA of the department who worked in the same ward tested preliminarily positive for COVID-19 today. The PCA concerned is in stable condition. The hospital will investigate the linkage among cases tested positive for COVID-19 earlier. Thorough cleansing and disinfection were arranged in the department.

Following Kwong Wah Hospital's announcement on a 31-year-old female patient in the gynaecology ward tested preliminarily positive for COVID-19 on February 7, the hospital’s infection control team immediately conducted contact tracing and arranged testing for all patients in the cubicle and staff members concerned. One nurse tested preliminarily positive for COVID-19 yesterday and is now in stable condition.

The hospitals will continue to closely monitor the health condition of patients and staff members and communicate with the Centre for Health Protection on the latest situation.

The Hospital Authority today (February 12) announced the following preliminary positive COVID-19 patient cases detected via admission screening or testing:

A 64-year-old male patient was admitted to surgical ward of Yan Chai Hospital (YCH) on February 7 due to abdominal pain. He tested negative during an admission screening and was discharged on February 8 after treated. YCH was informed on February 11 that the deep throat saliva test result of the patient conducted on February 10 was positive. The hospital’s infection control team has conducted contact tracing accordingly. Eight patients who stayed with the patient concerned in the same cubicle were classified as close contacts and will be isolated for quarantine.

In addition, a 72-year-old male patient was admitted to a medical ward of YCH on February 10 from a residential care home for the elderly. The patient tested preliminarily positive yesterday. He is being treated under isolation and is in stable condition. The hospital’s infection control team has conducted contact tracing accordingly. Six patients who stayed with the patient concerned in the same cubicle were classified as close contacts and will be isolated for quarantine.

A 72-year-old female patient in a neurosurgical ward of Kwong Wah Hospital tested preliminarily positive during an admission screening yesterday. The patient is being treated under isolation and is in stable condition. The hospital's infection control team has conducted contact tracing. Fourteen patients who stayed with the patient concerned in the same cubicle were identified as close contacts and will be isolated for quarantine.

A 63-year-old male patient in a medical ward of Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital tested preliminarily positive during an admission screening on February 10. The patient is being treated under isolation and is in stable condition. The hospital's infection control team has conducted contact tracing. Seven patients who stayed with the patient concerned in the same cubicle were identified as close contacts and will be isolated for quarantine. In addition, a 39-year-old female patient in an obstetric and gynaecology ward tested preliminarily positive during an admission screening yesterday. The patient is being treated under isolation and is in stable condition. The hospital's infection control team has conducted contact tracing. Four patients who stayed with the patient concerned in the same cubicle were identified as close contacts and will be isolated for quarantine.

A 58-years-old male patient in a medical ward of Caritas Medical Cente tested preliminarily positive during an admission screening yesterday. The patient is being treated under isolation and is in stable condition. The hospital's infection control team has conducted contact tracing. Seven patients who stayed with the patient concerned in the same cubicle were identified as close contacts and will be isolated for quarantine.

A 96-year-old male patient in an orthopaedics and traumatology ward of Tuen Mun Hospital tested preliminarily positive during an admission screening yesterday. The patient is being treated under isolation and is in stable condition. The hospital's infection control team has conducted contact tracing. Six patients who stayed with the patient concerned in the same cubicle were identified as close contacts and will be isolated for quarantine. Another patient care assistant who was in charge of patient’s feeding was also identified as close contact and required quarantine.

A 38-year-old male patient was admitted to medical ward of Ruttonjee Hospital on February 11 due to dizziness and discharged on the same day. His positive result for the admission screening test yesterday was available after discharge. The hospital's infection control team has conducted contact tracing. Six patients who stayed with the patient concerned in the same cubicle were identified as close contacts and have been isolated for quarantine. A nurse and another patient care assistant who had not equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment when the patient was vomiting were also identified as close contacts and required quarantine.

Thorough cleansing and disinfection have been performed in the affected areas by the hospitals. The hospitals will continue to communicate with the Centre for Health Protection on the latest situation.

The Hospital Authority today (February 11) announced the following preliminary positive COVID-19 patient cases detected via admission screening or testing:

A 96-year-old male patient in a medical ward of Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital tested negative during two screenings since his admission on February 8. The patient presented with respiratory symptoms from yesterday and tested preliminarily positive today. The patient is being treated under isolation and is in stable condition. The hospital's infection control team has conducted contact tracing. An enrolled nurse, who did not wear appropriate personal protective equipment when collecting specimen from the patient, and seven patients in the same cubicle were identified as close contacts and required to be quarantined. Among the patients, one has been discharged and referred to the Department of Health for follow up.

An eight-year-old female patient in a mixed specialty ward of Queen Elizabeth Hospital tested preliminarily positive during an admission screening yesterday. The patient is being treated under isolation and is in stable condition. The hospital's infection control team has conducted contact tracing. Two patient care assistants who entered the cubicle concerned without eye protection were identified as close contacts and will be quarantined. In addition, a 40-year-old female patient in an obstetric and gynaecology ward tested preliminarily positive during an admission screening on February 9. The patient is being treated under isolation and is in stable condition. The hospital's infection control team has conducted contact tracing. One patient who stayed with the patient concerned in the same cubicle was identified as a close contact and will be isolated for quarantine.

A 52-year-old male patient in an ophthalmology ward of Caritas Medical Centre tested preliminarily positive during an admission screening on February 9. The patient is being treated under isolation and is in stable condition. The hospital's infection control team has conducted contact tracing. Seven patients who stayed with the patient concerned in the same cubicle were identified as a close contact and will be isolated for quarantine. In addition, a 67-year-old female patient was admitted to the surgical ward on February 2. She tested preliminarily positive during the contact tracing screening yesterday. The patient is being treated under isolation and is in stable condition. The hospital's infection control team has conducted contact tracing for this case. Five patients who stayed with the patient concerned in the same cubicle was identified as close contacts and will be isolated for quarantine.

A 77-year-old male patient in a medicine and geriatrics ward of Princess Margaret Hospital tested preliminarily positive during an admission screening on February 9. The patient is being treated under isolation and is in stable condition. The hospital's infection control team has conducted contact tracing. Four patients nearby who stayed with the patient concerned in the same ward were identified as close contacts and will be isolated for quarantine. Meanwhile, an occupational therapist, who performed facial examination for the patient concerned without eye protection, was also classified as a close contact and will be quarantined.

An 83-year-old female patient in a medical ward of Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital tested preliminarily positive during an admission screening yesterday. The patient is being treated under isolation and is in stable condition. The hospital's infection control team has conducted contact tracing. Five patients who stayed with the patient concerned in the same cubicle were identified as close contacts and will be isolated for quarantine.

An 89-year-old female patient, who was admitted to a medical ward of Prince of Wales Hospital from a residential care home for the elderly, tested preliminarily positive during admission screening yesterday. The patient is being treated under isolation and is in serious condition. The hospital's infection control team has conducted contact tracing. Eight staff members (including five nurses and three patient care assistants), who assisted the patient concerned to use non-invasive positive pressure ventilation without eye protection, were identified as close contacts and will be quarantined.

A 69-year-old male patient in a clinical oncology ward of Tuen Mun Hospital tested preliminarily positive during an admission screening yesterday. The patient is being treated under isolation and is in stable condition. The hospital's infection control team has conducted contact tracing. Three patients who stayed with the patient concerned in the same cubicle were identified as close contacts and will be isolated for quarantine. Another two patient care assistants and a nurse who had handled patient’s vomitus were also identified as close contacts and required quarantine.

The Hospital Authority today (February 11) announced that the following staff members are confirmed or preliminarily confirmed as having COVID-19 infection:

Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital (Three nurses, three supporting staff members and an administrative staff member)
Ruttonjee Hospital (A dispenser and a student nurse)
Cheshire Home, Chung Hom Kok (A supporting staff member)
Queen Elizabeth Hospital (A doctor, a nurse, a radiographer, three supporting staff members and two administrative staff members)
Kwong Wah Hospital (A dispenser)
Hong Kong Children's Hospital (A nurse)
Our Lady of Maryknoll Hospital (A nurse)
Yau Ma Tei Jockey Club General Out-patient Clinic (Two nurses)
Hung Hom Clinic (A nurse)
Prince of Wales Hospital (Two nurses, four supporting staff members and a medical intern)
Tai Po Hospital (A supporting staff member)
Tuen Mun Hospital (A nurse and four supporting staff members)
Pok Oi Hospital (Two nurses)
Tin Shui Wai Hospital (A supporting staff member)
Tuen Mun Wu Hong Clinic (A doctor)
The community treatment facility at AsiaWorld-Expo (A supporting staff member)

The hospitals, clinics and facility concerned have conducted contact tracing as required and arranged cleaning for disinfection. All related staff members had worn appropriate personal protective equipment at work. No patient has been identified as a close contact so far. Since some of the above-mentioned staff members had been eating, chatting or staying in the same accommodation room with other staff members without wearing masks, 34 staff members have been identified as close contacts. Arrangements will be made for them to be quarantined and tested as required.

In light of the deteriorating epidemic situation, the HA again reminds its staff to minimise social activities and avoid having meals with other staff members. Staff members should also wear appropriate personal protective equipment at work.

​As at 9am today (February 11), 227 patients who had tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus were discharged from hospital in the last 24 hours. Including the other 15 patients who were discharged earlier, so far a total of 14 037 patients have been discharged.

A total of 1 893 patients who had tested positive are currently hospitalised in the North Lantau Hospital Hong Kong Infection Control Centre, the Hospital Authority (HA) Infectious Disease Centre, the Community Treatment Facility at AsiaWorld-Expo and 15 public hospitals, including two critical patients and 11 serious patients. The remainder are in stable condition.

An 86-year-old male patient with chronic diseases was admitted to the Accident and Emergency Department of Caritas Medical Centre yesterday (February 10) due to fever. He tested preliminarily positive during an admission screening and was transferred to Yan Chai Hospital for isolation treatment. His condition became serious and continued to deteriorate. The patient eventually succumbed at 4.07am today. In addition, an 88-year-old female patient with chronic diseases was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital yesterday due to a positive result from a rapid test conducted in an elderly home. She tested preliminarily positive at a subsequent hospital admission screening, and was under isolation treatment in stable condition. Her condition became serious today and continued to deteriorate. The patient eventually succumbed at 2.17pm today. Including these two patients, 208 COVID-19 confirmed patients and two preliminarily confirmed patients have passed away in public hospitals so far.

The HA will maintain close contact with the Centre for Health Protection to monitor the latest developments and to inform the public and healthcare workers on the latest information in a timely manner.

The case numbers of the discharged patients and those in serious or critical conditions are as follows:

Discharged
13100, 13125, 13236, 13325, 13342, 13428, 13437, 13439, 13448, 13459, 13461, 13473, 13487, 13492, 13496, 13533, 13538, 13539, 13565, 13571, 13595, 13598, 13600, 13603, 13610, 13618, 13621, 13624, 13636, 13637, 13638, 13643, 13647, 13649, 13691, 13705, 13710, 13711, 13724, 13747, 13774, 13775, 13776, 13786, 13787, 13794, 13803, 13807, 13834, 13857, 13858, 13874, 13881, 13884, 13902, 13906, 13914, 13916, 13929, 13945, 13960, 13971, 13989, 14013, 14018, 14020, 14022, 14024, 14037, 14045, 14048, 14051, 14053, 14057, 14062, 14074, 14076, 14081, 14088, 14096, 14108, 14111, 14128, 14141, 14150, 14165, 14166, 14175, 14197, 14198, 14206, 14244, 14254, 14278, 14279, 14280, 14282, 14287, 14318, 14319, 14320, 14328, 14359, 14364, 14392, 14394, 14398, 14422, 14428, 14445, 14460, 14465, 14470, 14478, 14486, 14496, 14499, 14509, 14526, 14552, 14561, 14564, 14585, 14601, 14618, 14622, 14639, 14651, 14652, 14654, 14679, 14688, 14689, 14693, 14717, 14725, 14733, 14735, 14738, 14754, 14756, 14764, 14780, 14783, 14807, 14831, 14855, 14858, 14866, 14893, 14914, 14925, 14934, 14943, 14953, 14957, 14992, 15046, 15048, 15050, 15051, 15052, 15053, 15064, 15099, 15129, 15144, 15150, 15156, 15174, 15200, 15225, 15261, 15277, 15297, 15302, 15363, 15381, 15409, 15412, 15419, 15495, 15505, 15533, 15534, 15538, 15539, 15552, 15554, 15558, 15559, 15560, 15561, 15566, 15568, 15585, 15590, 15647, 15653, 15695, 15779, 15783, 15867, 15892, 15897, 15917, 15923, 15981, 16087, 16169, 16186, 16197, 16326, 16362, 16383, 16387, 16476, 16525, 16602, 16613, 16662, 16666, 16675, 16696, 16713, 16727, 16731, 16732, 17347, 17362, 17369, 17407, 17410, 17415, 17474, 17542, 17617, 17651, 17741, 17745, 17763, 18517

Serious
13400, 15118, 15540, 16485, 16687, 17506, 17550, 17815, 18352, 18493, 18516

Critical
14814, 18489

The Hospital Authority today (February 10) announced the following preliminary positive COVID-19 patient cases detected via admission screening or testing:

A 65-year-old male patient in a medicine and geriatrics ward of Princess Margaret Hospital tested preliminarily positive during an admission screening yesterday. The patient is being treated under isolation and is in stable condition. The hospital's infection control team has conducted contact tracing. Four patients who stayed with the patient concerned in the same cubicle were identified as close contacts and will be isolated for quarantine.

A 65-year-old female patient in a surgical ward of United Christian Hospital tested preliminarily positive during an admission screening yesterday. The patient is being treated under isolation and is in stable condition. The hospital's infection control team has conducted contact tracing. Five patients who stayed with the patient concerned in the same cubicle were identified as close contacts and will be isolated for quarantine.

A 39-year-old female patient admitted to an orthopaedics and traumatology ward of Kwong Wah Hospital tested preliminarily positive during an admission screening yesterday. The patient is being treated under isolation and is in stable condition. The hospital's infection control team has conducted contact tracing. Four patients who stayed with the patient concerned in the same cubicle were identified as close contacts and will be isolated for quarantine.

A 75-year-old male patient in a surgical ward of Tuen Mun Hospital tested preliminarily positive yesterday. The patient is being treated under isolation and is in stable condition. The hospital's infection control team has conducted contact tracing. Five patients who stayed with the patient concerned in the same cubicle were identified as close contacts and will be isolated for quarantine. Another doctor and two patient care assistants who had handled the patient's vomitus were also identified as close contacts and required quarantine.

Thorough cleaning and disinfection operations have been performed in the affected areas by the hospitals. The hospitals will continue to communicate with the Centre for Health Protection on the latest situation.

The Hospital Authority today (February 9) announced the following preliminary positive COVID-19 patient cases detected via admission screening:

A 31-year-old female patient admitted to a gynaecology ward of Kwong Wah Hospital tested preliminarily positive during an admission screening on February 7. The patient is now under isolation treatment and is in stable condition. The hospital's infection control team had conducted contact tracing accordingly. Two patients who stayed with the patient concerned in the same cubicle were identified as close contacts and will be isolated for quarantine. Healthcare staff concerned are equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment in accordance with infection control guidelines, and currently no staff member is classified as a close contact.

Two male patients (69 and 93 years old) in an orthopedics ward and a medical ward of Caritas Medical Centre tested preliminarily positive during an admission screening yesterday (February 8). Both patients are in stable condition and are being treated under isolation. The hospital's infection control team is conducting contact tracing. Currently, 17 patients who have stayed with the two patients concerned in the same cubicle were identified as close contacts and will be isolated for quarantine.

A 49-year-old female patient, who has been admitted to the oncology ward of Prince of Wales Hospital, tested preliminarily positive during an admission screening yesterday. She is being treated in isolation and is in stable condition. Eight patients who stayed in the same cubicle with the patient concerned were classified as close contacts and will be isolated for quarantine. COVID-19 tests have been arranged for the remaining 19 patients in the ward concerned and results are pending.

A 76-year-old female patient in a medical ward of Ruttonjee Hospital tested preliminarily positive during an admission screening yesterday. The patient is being treated under isolation and is in stable condition. The hospital's infection control team has conducted contact tracing. Four patients who stayed with the patient concerned in the same cubicle were identified as close contacts and will be isolated for quarantine.

A thorough cleaning and disinfection have been performed in the affected areas by the hospitals. The hospitals will continue to communicate with the Centre for Health Protection on the latest situation.

The Hospital Authority today (February 9) announced that the following staff members are confirmed or preliminarily confirmed for COVID-19 infection due to their home or community contacts.

Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital (A nurse and three supporting staff)
Queen Mary Hospital (A physiotherapist)
The Duchess of Kent Children's Hospital at Sandy Bay (A supporting staff)
Hong Kong Children's Hospital (An administrative staff)
Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service (An administrative staff)
Kowloon Hospital (A nurse)
Queen Elizabeth Hospital (A nurse and a supporting staff)
Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Wong Tai Sin Hospital (A supporting staff)
Wu York Yu General Out-patient Clinic (A nurse)
United Christian Hospital (A nurse and two supporting staff)
Caritas Medical Centre (Two nurses and two supporting staff)
Kwai Chung Hospital (A doctor)
Princess Margaret Hospital (A nurse, a nursing student and a supporting staff)
Yan Chai Hospital (An outsourced supporting staff)
South Kwai Chung Jockey Club General Out-patient Clinic (A nurse)
North District Hospital (An outsourced supporting staff)
Tuen Mun Hospital (Two nurses, an allied health staff and a supporting staff)

Hospitals concerned have conducted contact tracing as required and arranged cleaning for disinfection. All related staff members had worn appropriate personal protective equipment at work. No patient has been identified as close contact so far. Since some of the abovementioned staff members had been eating or chatting with other staff members without wearing masks, 17 staff members had been identified as close contacts. They will be arranged to be quarantined and be tested as required.

As the physiotherapy department in Queen Mary Hospital and Tsan Yuk Hospital had to be closed today for deep cleaning and disinfection, about 50 patient appointments were rescheduled to the next week.

In light of the deteriorating epidemic situation, the HA again reminds its staff to minimise social activities and avoid having meals with other staff members. Staff members should also wear appropriate personal protective equipment at work.

Queen Elizabeth Hospital today (February 8) announced that some staff members are preliminarily confirmed for COVID-19 infection with details as follows:

Four staff members, including two nurses, a patient care assistant and an administrative staff, are preliminarily confirmed for COVID-19 due to their home or community contacts.

The hospital has conducted contact tracing and arranged thorough cleansing and disinfection. All clinical staff members concerned were equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment during work and no patient is classified as a close contact. Since some of the abovementioned staff had been eating or chatting with other staff members without wearing masks, 19 staff members had been identified as close contacts and will be arranged to be quarantined.

As a precautionary measure, admission to and discharge of patients from an orthopaedics and traumatology ward and a medical ward have been suspended. The hospital had arranged testing for all patients in the ward concerned and the results were negative. The hospital will redeploy hospital beds within clusters to cope with the situation. Meanwhile, two intensive care unit wards that were suspended from admission yesterday have resumed normal operation today.

In light of the deteriorating epidemic situation, the hospital again reminds its staff to minimise social activities including cross-family gatherings and having meals with other staff members. Staff members should also wear appropriate personal protective equipment at work.

Hospital Authority (HA) today (February 7) announced four preliminary positive COVID-19 patient cases detected via admission screening:

A 67-year-old male patient in a surgical ward of Queen Elizabeth Hospital tested preliminarily positive during admission screening yesterday. The patient concerned is being treated under isolation with stable condition. The hospital's infection control team has conducted contact tracing. A male patient in the same ward is classified as close contact that will be isolated for quarantine.

An 84-year-old male patient in an orthopaedic ward of Prince of Wales Hospital tested preliminarily positive during admission screening yesterday. The patient is being treated under isolation with stable condition. The hospital's infection control team has conducted contact tracing accordingly. Seven patients, who have stayed in the same cubicle with the tested preliminarily positive patient, are classified as close contacts and will be isolated for quarantine. Three staff members, who did not have proper eye protection equipment while conducting tests or providing care for the patient, are classified as close contacts and will be quarantined.

A 49-year-old female patient in an emergency medicine ward of Pok Oi Hospital tested preliminarily positive during admission screening yesterday. The patient is being treated under isolation with stable condition. The hospital's infection control team has conducted contact tracing. Five patients stayed with the patient concerned in the same cubicle were identified as close contacts and will be isolated for quarantine.

A 27-year-old female patient in an obstetrics and gynaecology ward of Tuen Mun Hospital tested preliminarily positive during admission screening yesterday. The patient is being treated under isolation with stable condition. The hospital's infection control team has conducted contact tracing. Four patients stayed with the patient concerned in the same cubicle were identified as close contacts that will be isolated for quarantine.

Thorough cleansing and disinfection have been performed in the affected areas by the hospitals concerned. The hospitals will continue to communicate with the Centre for Health Protection on the latest situation.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

The Hospital Authority today (February 7) announced that the following staff members are confirmed or preliminarily confirmed for COVID-19 infection due to their home or community contacts.

- A Tuen Mun Hospital doctor;
- Six nursing staff working in Prince of Wales Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kwai Chung Hospital, Caritas Medical Centre, North Lantau Hospital and Ruttonjee Hospital and;
- Eight patient care assistants, operation assistants and clerks working in Prince of Wales Hospital, Tai Po Hospital, Tin Shui Wai Hospital, Caritas Medical Centre and Yan Chai Hospital.

All staff members had been transferred to hospitals for treatment under isolation. Hospitals concerned have conducted contact tracing according to operation need and to arrange cleansing disinfection work. All related staff members had worn appropriate personal protective equipment at work. No patient has been identified as close contact so far.

Since some of the abovementioned staff had been eating or chatting with other staff members without wearing masks, 27 staff members had been identified as close contacts. They will be arranged to be quarantined and be test as required.

Among the staff members being identified as close contacts, 17 of them are staff members of Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Admission to the ICU has been suspended, while patients currently in the ICU are not affected. The hospital will redeploy hospital beds within the cluster to cope with the situation.

In light of the deteriorating epidemic situation, HA again reminds its staff to minimise social activities including cross-family gatherings and having meals with other staff members. Staff members should also wear appropriate personal protective equipment at work.

The spokesperson for Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) made the following announcement today (January 24) regarding an Operation Assistant (OPA) who tested preliminarily positive for COVID-19:

A 29-year-old OPA of QEH, who lives with family members in Ying Kwai House in Kwai Chung Estate tested preliminarily positive for COVID-19 yesterday (January 23) while undergoing mandatory quarantine at Penny's Bay Quarantine Centre with stable condition.

He is responsible for security and traffic control duties in the QEH. He did not have any contact with patient and was equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment. He last went to work on January 21 and attended the respirator fit test in infection control team on the same day. During the testing procedure which involved repeated breath test for about 30 minutes, the staff member handling the test had not worn eye protection. As a precautionary consideration, the staff member concerned was classified as a close contact and required to be quarantined.

The hospital's infection control team has conducted contact tracing and 23 staff members from the security unit are classified as other contacts.

Thorough cleaning and disinfection in the offices, changing room and Respirator Fit Test Centre have been arranged. The QEH will continue to communicate with the Centre for Health Protection on the latest situation.

As at 9am today (March 23), 35 COVID-19 confirmed patients were discharged from hospital in the last 24 hours. So far, a total of 10 936 patients with confirmed or probable infection have been discharged.

At present, there are 648 negative pressure rooms in public hospitals with 1 184 negative pressure beds activated. A total of 227 confirmed patients are currently hospitalised in 21 public hospitals and the North Lantau Hospital Hong Kong Infection Control Centre, among which 10 patients are in critical condition, 9 are in serious condition and the remaining 208 patients are in stable condition. In addition, an 89-year-old male COVID-19 confirmed patient (case number: 9066) passed away today. The patient, with chronic diseases was attended to Accident & Emergency Department of Queen Elizabeth Hospital on January 5 due to cough, running nose and poor appetite. He was subsequently tested positive for COVID-19, and admitted to isolation ward for treatment. His condition continued to deteriorate and he eventually succumbed at 1:30 p.m. today. Including this patient, 198 COVID-19 confirmed patients have passed away in public hospitals so far.

The Hospital Authority will maintain close contact with the Centre for Health Protection to monitor the latest developments and to inform the public and healthcare workers on the latest information in a timely manner.

Details of the above-mentioned patients are as follows:
Patient condition
Discharged Case numbers
10585, 11025, 11145, 11146, 11150, 11153, 11155, 11159, 11163, 11165, 11190, 11194, 11199, 11209, 11226, 11231, 11232, 11240, 11259, 11261, 11271, 11282, 11285, 11310, 11315, 11323, 11339, 11345, 11348, 11360, 11369, 11373, 11374, 11377, 11393

Critical Case numbers
1989, 3496, 6607, 6794, 8018, 8078, 9612, 9907, 10358, 10942

Serious Case numbers
6386, 7468, 8221, 9055, 9135, 10367, 10984, 11040, 11055

The spokesperson for Queen Elizabeth Hospital made the following announcement today (March 13) regarding a patient, who was discharged, tested positive for COVID-19:

The hospital was informed by Centre for Health Protection yesterday (March 12) that a 34-year-old female patient, who was discharged after delivery, was tested preliminarily positive for COVID-19.

According to the record, the patient was admitted to the hospital on February 28. She received admission screening COVID-19 test according to the established procedures and the test result was negative at that time. She was discharged after delivery on March 4.

Since the patient had stayed at the hospital before onset of symptoms, the hospital's infection control team conducted contact tracing. The staff members working in the ward concerned were equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment in accordance with infection control guidelines. No high risk procedures had been performed during that period. No staff members have been classified as close contact. A patient who had stayed in the same cubicle was classified as a close contact and is required to be quarantined. This patient is a nurse of Department of Medicine & Geriatrics of Kwong Wah Hospital. Her last working day is February 16.

As a precautionary measure, the hospital has arranged COVID-19 tests for healthcare workers in the same ward.

The hospital has arranged thorough cleaning and disinfection of the ward concerned. The hospital will continue to closely monitor the health conditions of its staff and patients and communicate with the Centre for Health Protection about the latest situation.

The spokesperson for Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) today (March 10) announced that a patient confirmed with COVID-19 passed away today.

An 86-year-old female patient (case number: 10953) with chronic diseases attended Accident & Emergency Department of QEH on February 25 due to pneumonia. She was subsequently tested positive for COVID-19, and admitted to isolation ward for treatment. Her condition continued to deteriorate and she eventually succumbed at 9:30am today.

The hospital is saddened about the passing away of the patient and would offer necessary assistance to her family.

Including the above patient, 197 COVID-19 confirmed patients have passed away in public hospitals so far.

The spokesperson for Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) today (March 6) announced that a patient confirmed with COVID-19 passed away yesterday.

An 80-year-old female patient (case number: 10379) with chronic diseases was referred to QEH by the Centre for Health Protection on January 29 due to confirmed with COVID-19 infection. She was admitted to isolation ward for treatment. Her condition continued to deteriorate and she eventually succumbed at 9.55pm last night.

The hospital is saddened about the passing away of the patient and would offer necessary assistance to her family.

Including the above patient, 196 COVID-19 confirmed patients have passed away in public hospitals so far.

The spokesperson for Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) made the following announcement today (March 2) regarding a patient admitted to hospital after vaccination:

A male patient with chronic and respiratory diseases attended Accident and Emergency Department (AED) of QEH by himself at around 1.30am on February 28. The patient was conscious but suffered from shortness of breath, and reported that a COVID-19 vaccination was received on February 26. The patient was preliminarily diagnosed with bronchitis by AED doctor and was transferred to medical ward for further management at around 3am.

The patient's condition deteriorated and resuscitation was performed by healthcare workers. The patient eventually succumbed at around 6am. The case has been referred to the Coroner to follow up.

The concerned departments reviewed the patient's case today and noticed the patient's COVID-19 vaccination history. The case was then reported to the hospital management, HA Head Office and the Department of Health according to the established mechanism.

The spokesperson for Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) made the following announcement today (March 2) regarding a patient admitted to hospital after vaccination:

A male patient with chronic and respiratory diseases attended Accident and Emergency Department (AED) of QEH by himself at around 1.30am on February 28. The patient was conscious but suffered from shortness of breath, and reported that a COVID-19 vaccination was received on February 26. The patient was preliminarily diagnosed with bronchitis by AED doctor and was transferred to medical ward for further management at around 3am.

The patient's condition deteriorated and resuscitation was performed by healthcare workers. The patient eventually succumbed at around 6am. The case has been referred to the Coroner to follow up.

The concerned departments reviewed the patient's case today and noticed the patient's COVID-19 vaccination history. The case was then reported to the hospital management, HA Head Office and the Department of Health according to the established mechanism.

The spokesperson for Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) made the following announcement today (February 11) concerning a dead body tested positive for COVID-19:

An 84-year-old male patient (case number: 10722) who was found unconscious at home on February 8 morning was sent to QEH by ambulance. Upon arrival at Accident & Emergency Department (AED) of QEH at 11:15 am, the patient was sent to resuscitation room in negative pressure for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and intubation to assist his breathing. His condition continued to deteriorate and he eventually succumbed at 12:15 pm.

The domestic helper of the male patient attended AED of QEH at about 1:00 am on February 10. She was arranged to have COVID-19 test and the test result was preliminary positive. The hospital contacted Kwai Chung Public Mortuary in the morning today (February 11) and was informed that the dead body was tested positive for COVID-19.

The Department of Pathology retrieved the patient’s blood specimens collected on February 8 this morning, and confirmed that the SARS-CoV-2 antibody was present on February 8. Hence no staff or patients were identified as close contacts.

The hospital has completed thorough cleansing and disinfection of the AED, resuscitation room, patient waiting area, public washrooms, staff washrooms and rest room. The hospital would continue to closely monitor the health condition of the staff members and communicate with the Centre for Health Protection on the latest progress.

The hospital has again reminded staff to conduct risk assessment and test the deceased for COVID-19 if needed before transferring the dead body to public mortuary.

The spokesperson for Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) today (February 9) announced that a patient confirmed with COVID-19 passed away today.

An 87-year-old male patient (case number: 10578) with chronic diseases attended the Accident & Emergency Department of QEH on February 3 due to cough and shortness of breath. He was subsequently tested positive for COVID-19, and admitted to the isolation ward for treatment. His condition continued to deteriorate and he eventually succumbed at 6:54pm today.

The hospital is saddened about the passing away of the patient and would offer necessary assistance to his family.

Including the above patient, 182 COVID-19 confirmed patients have passed away in public hospitals so far.

The spokesperson for Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) today (January 30) announced that a patient confirmed with COVID-19 passed away today.

A 46-year-old female patient (case number: 9643) with chronic diseases was admitted to QEH for isolation treatment on January 18 due to COVID-19. Her condition continued to deteriorate and she eventually succumbed at 6:15 p.m. today.

The hospital is saddened about the passing away of the patient and would offer necessary assistance to her family.

Including the deceased patient (case number: 10324) announced by the Centre for Health Protection earlier, 174 COVID-19 confirmed patients have passed away in public hospitals so far.

The Hospital Authority spokesperson today (January 26) announced two patients confirmed with COVID-19 infection passed away at public hospitals.

An 86-year-old female patient (case number: 6850) with chronic disease was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital on December 4, 2020. She was transferred to North Lantau Hospital on December 28, 2020. After treatment, the patient was tested negative to COVID-19 virus on January 11. Her condition continued to deteriorate due to pneumonia and she eventually succumbed at 11:17pm last evening (25 January).

In addition, a 90-year-old female patient (case number: 9542) with chronic diseases was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital isolation ward for treatment on January 16. Her condition continued to deteriorate and she eventually succumbed at 12:37pm today.

The hospitals are saddened about the passing away of the patients and will offer the necessary assistance to their families.

Including the above two patients, 168 COVID-19 confirmed patients have passed away in public hospitals so far.

The spokesperson for Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) today (January 25) announced that a patient confirmed with COVID-19 passed away today.

A 94-year-old female patient (case number: 9730) with chronic diseases attended Accident & Emergency Department of QEH on January 18 due to cough. She was subsequently tested positive for COVID-19, and admitted to the isolation ward for treatment. Her condition continued to deteriorate and she eventually succumbed at 4:59 a.m. today.

The hospital is saddened about the passing away of the patient and would offer necessary assistance to her family.

Including the above patient, 166 COVID-19 confirmed patients have passed away in public hospitals so far.

The spokesperson for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) made the following announcement today (January 25) on three healthcare workers tested preliminarily positive for COVID-19.

The first nurse tested preliminarily positive had worked in a medical ward. She had running nose, sore throat and headache on January 22 and attended Accident & Emergency Department of QEH yesterday (January 24). She underwent COVID-19 test and was preliminarily tested positive. She is now being treated under isolation and in stable condition. Her last date of duty was January 24. Her daily clinical duty was to provide general nursing care to patients. She had been wearing appropriate personal protective equipment at work in accordance with infection control guidelines. She did not perform any high-risk clinical procedures and had not been in contact with any confirmed COVID-19 infection patients. She lived in an affected building with a confirmed case, and hence the hospital would not rule out the possibility of getting infected in the community.

The second nurse tested preliminarily positive had worked in the isolation ward. She had headache and sore throat on January 23 and hence attended Accident & Emergency Department of QEH yesterday. She underwent COVID-19 test and was preliminarily tested positive. She is now being treated under isolation and in stable condition. Her last date of duty was January 23. Her daily clinical duties included taking care of COVID-19 confirmed patients and she had been wearing appropriate personal protective equipment at work in accordance with infection control guidelines. She did not perform any high-risk clinical procedures.

The third nurse tested preliminarily positive had worked in a medical ward. He had symptoms of cough and sore throat on January 22 and attended Accident & Emergency Department of Ruttonjee Hospital yesterday. He underwent COVID-19 test and was preliminarily tested positive. He is now being treated under isolation and in stable condition. The nurse concerned had worked in the isolation ward from December 7 last year to January 17 this year. His daily clinical duties included taking care of COVID-19 confirmed patients and he had been wearing appropriate personal protective equipment at work in accordance with infection control guidelines. He did not perform any high-risk clinical procedures. He contacted with the second nurse at work for a short period of time on January 13 and both of them wore appropriate personal protective equipment. He was then transferred back to a medical ward on January 18. His last date of duty was January 22. His daily clinical duty was to provide general nursing care to patients. He did not perform any high-risk clinical procedures and had not been in contact with any confirmed COVID-19 infection patients.

After reviewing the case information, the hospital infection control team and the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) did not have sufficient evidence to confirm that there's epidemiological linkage between the three nurses who were tested preliminary positive. The infection control team conducted contact tracing. 10 healthcare workers are classified as close contact and quarantine will be arranged. They have all undergone COVID-19 tests while seven of them are tested negative and the remaining results are pending. As the three nurses had been wearing appropriate personal protective equipment during work, no patient is classified as close contact. As a precautionary measure, the hospital has arranged viral tests for the staff and patients of wards concerned. 157 staff members and 107 patients have been tested with negative results.

The hospital has arranged thorough cleaning and disinfection for the workplace concerned, staff pantry and changing rooms. As a precautionary measure, the hospital has closed three medical wards temporarily including the one which was with staff positive case earlier. The measure would further worsen the shortage of bed provision. Access block waiting time will be lengthened. Hence, the hospital appeals the public to avoid attending QEH Accident and Emergency Department in order to alleviate the heavy service load. Public understanding is highly appreciated.

As there are three staff members confirmed positive of COVID-19 and QEH is located near the "restricted area" near Yau Ma Tei and Jordan district where the staff would be around for work and reside, after assessing the risk, the hospital will offer tests to all staff starting from tomorrow (January 26). QEH will continue to closely monitor the health of related staff and patients and communicate with the Centre for Health Protection on the latest situation.

The spokesperson for the Hospital Authority (HA) made the following announcement today (January 21) on healthcare staffs tested preliminarily positive for COVID-19.

A nurse in the medical department of the North District Hospital (NDH) tested preliminarily positive to COVID-19 yesterday (January 20), four nurses in the same department who were classified as close contact yesterday have undergone COVID-19 tests and the results are negative. They are currently under quarantine. Viral tests have also been arranged for about 70 relevant staff in the isolation ward and the department of medicine as a precautionary measure, and the results are all negative. NDH will continue to closely monitor the health condition of the concerned staff members. 69 environmental samples were collected at the areas where the nurse had worked and rested during her infectious period yesterday, they were all tested negative to COVID-19.

In addition, the contact tracing of the nurse concerned is still ongoing while she has had meal with a nurse from the rehabilitation ward of the Tuen Mun Hospital on January 17 and a nurse from the medical department of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) on January 18 respectively. These two nurses have been identified as close contact as well, while the nurse from QEH tested preliminarily positive to COVID-19 yesterday.

The QEH nurse has no symptoms and underwent COVID-19 test upon receiving notification. She was preliminarily tested positive in the evening yesterday. Her last date of duty was January 20.

The QEH nurse worked in a medical ward where her daily clinical duty is to provide general nursing care to patients. She had been wearing appropriate personal protective equipment at work.

QEH infection control team has started contact tracing with the Centre for Health Protection (CHP). Six other QEH staff who had meal with the nurse are classified as close contact today and will be arranged for quarantine. They were all tested negative for COVID-19. As the nurse has been wearing appropriate personal protective equipment at work, no patient is classified as close contact.

As a precautionary measure, viral tests and medical surveillance are being arranged for relevant staff and patients in the medical ward of QEH. Thorough cleansing and disinfection of the wards and areas where the nurse has worked and rested has been arranged.

HA has reminded colleagues once again to avoid having meal together and that they should also observe social distancing to minimise infection risk.

As at 9am today (January 18), 28 COVID-19 confirmed patients were discharged from hospital in the last 24 hours. So far, a total of 8 786 patients with confirmed or probable infection have been discharged.

At present, there are 678 negative pressure rooms in public hospitals with 1 224 negative pressure beds activated. A total of 578 confirmed patients are currently hospitalised in 24 public hospitals and a community treatment facility, among which 41 patients are in critical condition, 27 are in serious condition and the remaining 510 patients are in stable condition. In addition, an 86-year-old female patient (case number: 9031) with chronic diseases was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital on January 3 due to fever. She was later tested positive for COVID-19. Her condition continued to deteriorate and she eventually succumbed at 12:09 p.m. today. Including the above patient, 159 COVID-19 confirmed patients have passed away in public hospitals so far.

The Hospital Authority will maintain close contact with the Centre for Health Protection to monitor the latest developments and to inform the public and healthcare workers on the latest information in a timely manner.

Details of the above-mentioned patients are as follows:
Patient condition
Discharged Case numbers
7570, 8821, 8829, 8893, 8948, 8974, 8982, 8990, 9105, 9127, 9139, 9144, 9150, 9160, 9168, 9174, 9175, 9176, 9183, 9188, 9263, 9274, 9275, 9289, 9305, 9359, 9375, 9416

Critical Case numbers
1989, 3496, 5409, 5511, 5735, 5754, 6125, 6232, 6255, 6444, 6547, 6607, 6754, 6794, 6913, 7021, 7123, 7259, 7323, 7424, 7680, 8018, 8078, 8126, 8195, 8221, 8323, 8384, 8449, 8452, 8818, 8820, 8900, 8937, 9030, 9049, 9060, 9062, 9267, 9311, 9438

Serious Case numbers
5739, 5990, 6386, 6543, 6824, 6850, 7076, 7208, 7305, 7468, 7653, 7964, 8443, 8819, 8832, 8931, 9040, 9045, 9055, 9066, 9115, 9133, 9135, 9166, 9185, 9240, 9284

The spokesperson for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) made the following announcement today (January 18) regarding an Operation Assistant tested preliminarily positive to COVID-19:

An Operation Assistant of the Supporting Services Department had sore throat and cough on January 16. She consulted doctor at QEH Accident & Emergency Department on January 17 before reporting duty. A COVID-19 test was arranged and she was preliminarily tested positive on January 18. She is now in stable condition. She last performed her duty on January 15.

The hospital conducted contact tracing immediately. The colleague concerned was mainly responsible for cleansing in exterior areas. She did not perform any high-risk clinical procedures in ward. She was equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment at work. No patient was hence identified as close contact. Five Operation Assistants having meal with the colleague were identified as close contacts and will be arranged for quarantine.

The hospital has completed thorough cleansing and disinfection of the concerned staff rest room and changing room. The hospital has also arranged staff as needed for COVID-19 test, and the test results are all negative. The hospital would continue to closely monitor the health condition of the staff members and communicate with the Centre for Health Protection on the latest progress.

The hospital has already reminded staff to avoid from having meal together to minimize the infection risk.

As at 9am today (January 11), 45 COVID-19 confirmed patients were discharged from hospital in the last 24 hours. So far, a total of 8 468 patients with confirmed or probable infection have been discharged.

At present, there are 688 negative pressure rooms in public hospitals with 1 253 negative pressure beds activated. A total of 585 confirmed patients are currently hospitalised in 23 public hospitals and a community treatment facility, among which 39 patients are in critical condition, 44 are in serious condition and the remaining 502 patients are in stable condition. Moreover, a 65-year-old male patient (case number: 7980), who was confirmed with COVID-19 infection on December 18, succumbed in Queen Elizabeth Hospital at 5.42pm Including this patient, 155 COVID-19 patients have passed away in public hospitals so far.

The Hospital Authority will maintain close contact with the Centre for Health Protection to monitor the latest developments and to inform the public and healthcare workers on the latest information in a timely manner.

Details of the above-mentioned patients are as follows:

Patient condition

Discharged Case numbers
7301, 7533, 8064, 8236, 8479, 8495, 8508, 8512, 8528, 8556, 8562, 8567, 8582, 8602, 8617, 8627, 8631, 8657, 8691, 8711, 8712, 8742, 8764, 8779, 8784, 8794, 8799, 8807, 8810, 8825, 8877, 8882, 8890, 8923, 8932, 8934, 8954, 8956, 8999, 9015, 9085, 9153, 9155, 9214, 9242

Critical Case numbers
1989, 3496, 5409, 5735, 5754, 6125, 6232, 6255, 6444, 6547, 6607, 6754, 6794, 6913, 7021, 7123, 7259, 7323, 7424, 7680, 8018, 8055, 8078, 8126, 8195, 8323, 8384, 8449, 8452, 8564, 8636, 8820, 8900, 8937, 9031, 9049, 9060, 9062, 9164

Serious Case numbers
5511, 5739, 5745, 5990, 6386, 6543, 6681, 6824, 6850, 6920, 6921, 7076, 7127, 7208, 7305, 7468, 7632, 7653, 7824, 7964, 7986, 8187, 8221, 8235, 8245, 8443, 8446, 8477, 8558, 8587, 8603, 8611, 8729, 8819, 8832, 8931, 9033, 9040, 9045, 9081, 9124, 9133, 9166, 9185

The spokesperson for the Kowloon Central Cluster made the following announcement today (January 9) regarding an incident of patient specimens handling:

Wang Tau Hom Jockey Club General Out-patient Clinic (WTH GOPC) collected deep throat saliva specimen for testing of COVID-19 from five patients on January 7, which were scheduled to be sent to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital laboratory for testing together with specimens from Hong Kong Buddhist Hospital. When the collection box was returned back to WTH GOPC on January 8, clinic staff found that the five deep throat saliva specimens were still kept in the box.

Since all the deep throat saliva specimens were no longer suitable for conducting testing, staff had contacted the patients concerned to explain the incident, offer apologies and arrange the return of deep throat saliva specimen sample to the clinic as soon as possible. The five patients concerned have returned the samples this morning of and all test results were negative for COVID-19.

Kowloon Central Cluster is highly concerned about the incident and apologises to the patients concerned for the inconvenience caused. Concerned units have immediately reminded staff to be vigilant and pay more attention to the items transferred. The workflow of handling specimens will be reviewed and improvement measures will be recommended to prevent similar incidents.

The Hospital Authority spokesperson today (December 30) announced the passing away of two more patients confirmed with COVID-19 infection today.

A 63-year-old male patient (case number: 6153) with chronic diseases was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital on November 27 due to stroke. He was later tested positive for COVID-19. His condition continued to deteriorate and he eventually succumbed at 11:13am today.

In addition, an 89-year-old female COVID-19 confirmed patient (case number: 8545) with terminal illness, was admitted to United Christian Hospital on December 24 due to shortness of breath. She was later tested positive for COVID-19. Her condition continued to deteriorate and she eventually succumbed at 4:58pm today.

The hospitals were saddened about the passing away of the patients and would offer the necessary assistance to their families.

Including the above two patients, 143 COVID-19 confirmed patients have passed away in public hospitals so far.

The spokesperson for Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) today (December 27) announced that a patient confirmed with COVID-19 passed away today.

The 92-year-old female patient (case number: 7753) with chronic illness was admitted to QEH on December 14 due to abdominal pain. She was later tested positive for COVID-19. The patient's condition continued to deteriorate and she eventually succumbed at 3:22pm today.

The hospital was saddened about the passing away of the patient and would offer necessary assistance to her family.

Including the above patient, 133 COVID-19 confirmed patients have passed away in public hospitals so far.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

As at 9am today (December 25), 114 COVID-19 confirmed patients were discharged from hospital in the last 24 hours. So far, a total of 7 317 patients with confirmed or probable infection have been discharged.

At present, there are 681 negative pressure rooms in public hospitals with 1 241 negative pressure beds activated. A total of 940 confirmed patients are currently hospitalised in 23 public hospitals and community treatment facility, among which 54 patients are in critical condition, 70 are in serious condition and the remaining 816 patients are in stable condition. Moreover, a 95-year-old male patient (case number: 8444), who was confirmed with COVID-19 infection today, succumbed in Queen Elizabeth Hospital at 1.15am. Including this patient, 132 COVID-19 patients have passed away in public hospitals so far.

The Hospital Authority will maintain close contact with the Centre for Health Protection to monitor the latest developments and to inform the public and healthcare workers on the latest information in a timely manner.

Details of the above-mentioned patients are as follows:

Patient condition

Discharged Case numbers
5883, 6250, 6298, 6311, 6483, 6489, 6550, 6590, 6614, 6701, 6728, 6848, 6872, 6876, 6996, 7047, 7063, 7129, 7135, 7153, 7191, 7200, 7203, 7209, 7220, 7226, 7230, 7232, 7280, 7290, 7293, 7298, 7321, 7394, 7408, 7436, 7457, 7466, 7470, 7471, 7486, 7493, 7495, 7496, 7498, 7541, 7555, 7562, 7564, 7572, 7576, 7582, 7587, 7590, 7596, 7605, 7612, 7616, 7621, 7647, 7652, 7677, 7686, 7689, 7695, 7697, 7707, 7715, 7716, 7720, 7737, 7766, 7773, 7779, 7795, 7804, 7812, 7823, 7825, 7846, 7848, 7854, 7872, 7876, 7889, 7896, 7910, 7950, 7952, 7958, 7965, 8015, 8022, 8032, 8039, 8041, 8042, 8063, 8116, 8150, 8169, 8170 ,8173, 8179, 8224, 8227, 8231, 8297, 8303, 8368, 8373, 8374, 8398, 8419

Critical Case numbers
1989, 3496, 5511, 5735, 5739, 5754, 5840, 6125, 6232, 6255, 6386, 6444, 6543, 6545, 6547, 6607, 6647, 6681, 6754, 6779, 6794, 6817, 6824, 6843, 6877, 6894, 6913, 6918, 7009, 7021, 7123, 7175, 7259, 7323, 7424, 7468, 7476, 7501, 7570, 7635, 7653, 7680, 7725, 7753, 7980, 8018, 8055, 8078, 8085, 8091, 8148, 8323, 8336, 8384

Serious Case numbers
5409, 5723, 5745, 5988, 5990, 6258, 6285, 6380, 6468, 6472, 6540, 6565, 6718, 6722, 6724, 6837, 6838, 6850, 6858, 6861, 6883, 6890, 6917, 6920, 6921, 7042, 7053, 7060, 7071, 7076, 7094, 7106, 7118, 7127, 7208, 7222, 7231, 7289, 7301, 7304, 7305, 7311, 7565, 7580, 7632, 7642, 7655, 7700, 7705, 7706, 7741, 7755, 7759, 7775, 7792, 7818, 7824, 7835, 7882, 7964, 7986, 7991, 8007, 8070, 8076, 8111, 8131, 8252, 8365, 8420

The spokesperson for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) made the following announcement today (December 25) regarding a Temporary Undergraduate Nursing Student (TUNS) tested preliminarily positive to COVID-19:

A female TUNS of the Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology had presence of throat discomfort on December 22. She later developed cough and chills on December 24. A COVID-19 test was arranged and she was preliminarily tested positive. She is now hospitalised under isolation treatment with stable condition.

The hospital conducted contact tracing immediately. The TUNS concerned did not come into contact with any COVID-19 patients over the past 14 days. She only performed general basic nursing care duties and did not perform any high-risk clinical procedures in the ward. She was equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment at work. No patient was hence identified as close contact. Three staff members having meals with the TUNS were identified as close contacts and will be arrange to quarantine.

Besides, the TUNS also had meal with another nursing student earlier. The nursing student, who is a TUNS at Tai Po Hospital, was also identified as close contact and required quarantine.

Admission arrangement of the ward concerned has been suspended. The hospital has completed thorough cleansing and disinfection of the concerned ward. The hospital has also arranged staff and patients as needed for COVID-19 test, and the test results are all negative. The hospital would continue to closely monitor the health condition of the staff members and patients and communicate with the Centre for Health Protection on the latest progress.

The spokesperson for Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) today (December 22) announced that a patient confirmed with COVID-19 passed away today.

An 86-year-old male patient (case number: 6154) with chronic disease was admitted to QEH for treatment on November 27 due to cough. He was later tested positive for COVID-19. His condition continued to deteriorate and he eventually succumbed at 1:14am today.

The hospital was saddened about the passing away of the patient and would offer necessary assistance to his family.

Including the above patient, 128 COVID-19 confirmed patients have passed away in public hospitals so far.

Regarding a walk-away patient incident earlier, the spokesman for Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) today (December 21) made the following update:

A 63-year-old confirmed COVID-19 patient (case number: 7379) fled away from the QEH isolation ward on December 18. The hospital reported the case to the Police immediately. The patient was located by the Police and escorted back to the hospital isolation ward for treatment shortly at around 12am. The patient is now in stable condition.

The hospital wards have enhanced patient's management and surveillance. Security has been enhanced to the floors of isolation wards and extra patrols have been deployed.

The hospital appeals to all patients under isolation treatment to strictly follow the direction of medical staff. They should not leave the hospital without permission in order to protect the public and for their own health. The hospital will continue to cooperate with the police investigation.

The spokesperson for Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) made the following appeal today (December 18) regarding a walk-away patient incident:

A 63-year-old male confirmed COVID-19 patient (case number: 7379) was admitted to QEH isolation ward on December 14 for treatment. At about 5pm today (December 18), the ward staff spotted that the patient was making his way to run away from the ward. The ward staff chased him but the efforts were in vain. The patient had fled away to staircase. The ward staff immediately informed the hospital security, the follow-up search in the hospital compound did not locate the patient.

The Hospital called the police and would cooperate with the police investigation. The Hospital has also reported the incident to the Centre for Health Protection (CHP), and made a report to the Hospital Authority Head Office via the Advance Incidents Reporting System.

He is about 1.6 metres tall and of medium build with black short hair. He was last seen wearing hospital patient clothes, navy blue jacket and sport shoes with surgical mask. The Hospital appeals to the public to contact the Police or call the hospital hotline at 3506 8944 if they know the whereabouts of the patient.

The Hospital appeals to all patients under isolation treatment to strictly follow the direction of medical staff. They should not leave the hospital without permission in order to protect the public and for their own health.

The spokesperson for Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) today (December 13) announced that a patient confirmed with COVID-19 passed away last night (December 12).

A 42-year-old female patient (case number: 6971) was admitted to QEH Intensive Care Unit on December 6 due to fever, cough and shortness of breath. She was later tested positive for COVID-19. She required mechanical ventilation for assisting breathing all along. Her condition continued to deteriorate and she eventually succumbed at 10:38pm last night (December 12).

The hospital was saddened about the passing away of the patient and would offer the necessary assistance to her family.

Including the confirmed patient (case number:7462) passed away in Queen Mary Hospital yesterday, 114 COVID-19 patients have passed away in public hospital so far.

The spokesperson for Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) today (December 9) announced that a patient confirmed with COVID-19 passed away today.

The 75-year-old female patient (case number: 6342) with chronic illness was admitted to QEH on November 29 for treatment. She was later tested positive for COVID-19. The patient's condition continued to deteriorate and she eventually succumbed at 5:39pm today.

The hospital was saddened about the passing away of the patient and would offer necessary assistance to her family.

Including the above case, 112 COVID-19 confirmed patients have passed away in public hospitals so far.

The spokesperson for Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) today (December 3) announced that a patient confirmed with COVID-19 passed away today.

The 82-year-old female patient (case number: 6447) with chronic illness was admitted to QEH Intensive Care Unit on December 1 due to fever, pneumonia and septic shock. She was later tested positive for COVID-19. She required mechanical ventilation for assisting breathing all along. Her condition continued to deteriorate and she eventually succumbed at 8.08pm tonight.

The hospital was saddened about the passing away of the patient and would offer the necessary assistance to her family.

Including the above case, 109 COVID-19 confirmed patients have passed away in public hospitals so far.

The spokesperson for Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) today (December 2) announced that a patient confirmed with COVID-19 passed away today.

The 73-year-old female patient (case number: 5110) with chronic illness was admitted to QEH Intensive Care Unit on October 2 due to fever, vomiting and diarrhea. She later tested positive for COVID-19. After treatment, the patient tested negative for COVID-19 and was released from the isolation order by the Department of Health on October 19. The patient required mechanical ventilation due to respiratory failure and remained in the Intensive Care Unit for treatment. Her condition continued to deteriorate and she eventually succumbed at 12.53pm today.

The hospital was saddened about the passing away of the patient and would offer the necessary assistance to her family.

Including the above case, 108 COVID-19 confirmed patients have passed away in public hospitals so far.

Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) made an announcement today (October 1) regarding a nurse tested preliminarily positive for COVID-19:

A nurse of a general medical ward at QEH has onset of cough on September 28, and attended Accident and Emergency Department on September 30 due to fever. The hospital arranged a COVID-19 deep throat saliva test for him. The test result was preliminarily positive this morning (October 1). The patient is currently receiving isolation treatment at the hospital and is in stable condition.

The hospital reported the case to the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) upon the preliminary test result of the nurse and conducted epidemiological tracing. The nurse concerned performed routine clinical duties in the ward and was equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment during his work. He did not have any contact with COVID-19 confirmed patients in the past two weeks. So far, no patient in the ward is classified as a close contact.

In addition, six staff members who had meals respectively with the nurse at different time are classified as close contacts. They are all asymptomatic and need to be quarantined. The hospital will follow up with the CHP for their condition.

According to the guideline, the hospital adopted admission screening for all in-patients. All existing patients in the ward were tested negative on admission. The preliminary investigation shows that there is no evidence suggesting the staff member acquired the disease in the hospital. The hospital has conducted tests for the patients and the staff members in the ward. So far, 29 staff members and 44 patients are tested negative.

As a precautionary measure, admission of patients to the ward concerned has been suspended. The hospital has arranged thorough cleansing and disinfection for the ward concerned. QEH will continue to closely monitor the health of our staff members and patients and communicate with the CHP about the latest situation.

The spokesperson for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) announced today (September 25) that a patient confirmed with COVID-19 passed away this afternoon.

A 84-year-old male patient (case number: 2007) with chronic diseases was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital on July 21 due to cough and fever. The patient's condition continued to deteriorate and he eventually succumbed at 4:45pm this afternoon.

The hospital was saddened about the passing away of the patient and would offer necessary assistance to his family.

Including the above case, 104 COVID-19 confirmed patients have passed away in public hospitals so far.

The spokesperson for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) announced today (September 7) that a 96-year-old female patient confirmed with COVID-19 infection (case number: 4726) passed away this morning.

The patient with chronic disease was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital on August 24 due to cough and fever. The patient's condition continued to deteriorate and she eventually succumbed at 8:45am today.

The hospital was saddened about the passing away of the patient and would offer necessary assistance to her family.

Including the above case, 97 COVID-19 confirmed patients have passed away in public hospitals so far.

The spokesperson for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) announced today (September 6) that an 82-year-old male patient confirmed with COVID-19 infection (case number: 3308) passed away tonight.

The patient with chronic disease was admitted to QEH on July 31 due to cough and fever. The patient's condition continued to deteriorate and he eventually succumbed at 8:44pm today.

The hospital was saddened about the passing away of the patient and would offer necessary assistance to his family.

Including the above case, 96 COVID-19 confirmed patients have passed away in public hospitals so far.

The spokesperson for Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) announced today (August 20) that a 92-year-old female patient confirmed with COVID-19 (case no: 4281) passed away today.

The patient with chronic diseases was admitted to QEH on August 11 due to fever. Her condition continued to deteriorate and she eventually succumbed at 8.48am today.

The Hospital was saddened about the passing away of the patient and would offer necessary assistance to her family.

Including the above case, 73 COVID-19 confirmed patients have passed away in public hospitals so far.

The spokesman for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) announced today (August 4) that an 82-year-old female patient confirmed with COVID-19 infection (case no: 1424) passed away this morning.

The patient with chronic disease was admitted to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital on July 9 due to fever and cough. Her condition continued to deteriorate and she eventually succumbed at 5:29am today.

The Hospital was saddened about the passing away of the patient and would offer necessary assistance to her family.

Including the above case, 39 COVID-19 confirmed patients have passed away in public hospitals so far.

The spokesperson for Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) announced today (August 3) that an 84-year-old female patient confirmed with COVID-19 infection (case no: 2115) passed away today.

The patient with chronic disease was admitted to QEH on July 10 due to syncope and fall. Her condition continued to deteriorate and she eventually succumbed at 5:28am today.

The Hospital was saddened about the passing away of the patient and would offer necessary assistance to her family.

Including the above case, 37 COVID-19 confirmed patients have passed away in public hospitals so far.

The spokespersons for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) and Tuen Mun Hospital (TMH) announced today (August 1) that two patients confirmed with COVID-19 passed away.

The 79-year-old male patient (case number: 2896) in QEH with chronic disease was admitted on July 27 due to cough.

Another 89-year-old female patient (case number: 2705) in TMH with chronic disease was admitted on July 26 due to fever.

Both patients' condition continued to deteriorate and the hospitals communicated with the families about their conditions. The families agreed to have Do-Not-Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation if the patients' condition further deteriorated. The QEH patient eventually succumbed at 11.44pm last night (July 31) and the TMH patient succumbed at 12.20am this morning.

The Hospitals were saddened about the passing away of the patients and would offer necessary assistance to the families.

Including the above cases, 29 COVID-19 confirmed patients have passed away in public hospitals so far.

The spokespersons for the Tuen Mun Hospital (TMH) and Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) announced today (August 1) that two patients confirmed with COVID-19 passed away.

The 90-year-old female patient (case number: 2703) in TMH with chronic disease was admitted on July 26 due to fever. Her condition continued to deteriorate and eventually succumbed at 8.40pm today.

Another 92-year-old female patient (case number: 2246) in QEH had congestive heart failure and diabetes. She was admitted on July 12 due to fall and fever. The patient’s condition continued to deteriorate and eventually succumbed at 8.08pm tonight.

The Hospitals were saddened about the passing away of the patients and would offer necessary assistance to the families.

Including the above cases, 33 COVID-19 confirmed patients have passed away in public hospitals so far.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

The spokesman for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) announced today (July 30) that a 80-year-old male patient confirmed with COVID-19 (case no: 1936) passed away tonight.

The patient with chronic disease was admitted to the QEH on July 18 due to fever. His condition continued to deteriorate and the hospital had communicated with the family about the patient's condition. The patient's family agreed to have Do-Not-Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation if the patient condition further deteriorated. The patient eventually succumbed at 8.07pm tonight.

The Hospital was saddened about the passing away of the patient and would offer necessary assistance to his family.

Including the above case, 25 COVID-19 confirmed patients have passed away in public hospitals so far.

The spokesman for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) announced today (July 29) that a 76-year-old female patient confirmed with COVID-19 infection (case no: 1776) passed away this morning.

The patient with multiple chronic diseases was admitted to a medical ward in Queen Elizabeth Hospital on June 30 due to shortness of breath caused by heart failure. The same cubicle of the ward had confirmed cases of COVID-19. The patient was identified as a close contact and transferred to isolation ward. She was tested positive for COVID-19 in the routine nasopharyngeal swab test on July 17. The condition of patient was stable at that time. Despite anti-viral drug therapy, the patient’s condition had not improved. Her condition started to deteriorate on July 24. The hospital adjusted the medication and provided oxygen support to the patient. The patient’s condition continued to deteriorate afterwards and the hospital communicated with the family. The patient's family agreed to have Do-Not-Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) if the patient condition further deteriorated. The patient eventually succumbed at 8:11am today.

The Hospital was saddened about the passing away of the patient and would offer necessary assistance to his family.

Including the above case, 24 COVID-19 confirmed patients have passed away in public hospitals so far.

The spokesman for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) announced today (July 27) that a 92-year-old male patient confirmed with COVID-19 infection (case no: 1306) passed away this morning.

The patient with chronic disease was admitted to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital on July 7 due to shortness of breath and cough. His condition continued to deteriorate and the hospital had communicated with the family about the patient's condition. The patient's family agreed to have Do-Not-Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation if the patient condition further deteriorated. The patient eventually succumbed at 9.13am today.

The Hospital was saddened about the passing away of the patient and would offer necessary assistance to his family.

Including the above case, 20 COVID-19 confirmed patients have passed away in public hospitals so far.

The spokesman for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) announced today (July 27) that a 76-year-old female patient confirmed with COVID-19 infection (case no: 2107) passed away last night (July 26).

The patient with chronic disease was admitted to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital on July 21 due to cough and abdominal pain. Her condition continued to deteriorate and the hospital had communicated with the family about the patient's condition. The patient's family agreed to have Do-Not-Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) if the patient condition further deteriorated. The patient eventually succumbed at 11:23pm yesterday.

The Hospital was saddened about the passing away of the patient and would offer necessary assistance to his family.

Including the above case, 19 COVID-19 confirmed patients have passed away in public hospitals so far.

The spokesperson for Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) today (July 18) announced that a 94-year-old male COVID-19 confirmed patient (case number: 1365) passed away at 10.08am today.

The patient with chronic disease was admitted to QEH Accident and Emergency Department on July 9 due to fever and cough. He was confirmed positive of COVID-19 and transferred to isolation ward for treatment. His condition had deteriorated on July 13. The hospital had communicated with the family about the patient's condition. The patient's family agreed to have Do-Not-Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) if the patient condition further deteriorated. The hospital provided oxygen as supportive treatment to patient. The patient eventually succumbed on today morning.

The hospital was saddened about the passing away of the patient and would offer necessary assistance to his family members.

Including the above case, 12 COVID-19 patients have passed away in public hospitals so far.

Regarding a cluster of COVID-19 suspected of nosocomial infection announced earlier (July 14 and 15), Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) spokesperson provided the following updates today (July 16):

QEH has continued to follow up a cluster of COVID-19 suspected of nosocomial infection reported earlier. The COVID-19 test results were negative for all the 62 healthcare workers who had contacted with the three confirmed patients.

On the other hand, the hospital was informed on July 15 evening that a supporting staff who works at the Non-Emergency Ambulance Transfer Service (NEATS) coordination centre was preliminarily confirmed with COVID-19 infection.

The staff concerned was off duty on July 11 and 12, and resumed duty on July 13. His duties on that day included clerical work and business transport services for colleagues. The staff worn a surgical mask during his whole duty. His work does not require any contact with patients, and he did not have any contact with patients. The staff attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Prince of Wales Hospital due to fever, headache and cough after his duty on July 13. Today he was confirmed positive of COVID-19 (case number: 1635). The staff has not returned to work after July 13 and is now under treatment.

Regarding the case, the hospital will maintain close communication with the Centre for Health Protection (CHP). The hospital investigation shows that the staff concerned did not have any close contact or other contact at his workplace. He had not been to the ward where the cluster of COVID-19 cases were reported. The mode of transmission is to be confirmed by CHP. The hospital will provide all necessary assistance to the department staff, and has already cleansed and disinfected the workplace and the vehicle used by the staff concerned. To further allay staff's concern, the hospital will arrange tests for the duty staff who worked on the same day. The hospital will maintain close communication with the frontline staff, and as usual practice, provides all appropriate personal protective equipment based on the working needs of staff.

The hospital NEATS mainly provides point-to-point patients transfer service for admissions, inter-hospital transfers, discharges from hospitals and attending Specialist-outpatient follow-up appointments. The service does not cover suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19. All patients must have temperature check before boarding the vehicles. The hospital reiterates that the routine cleansing of vehicles is performed in accordance with prevailing infection control guidelines.

Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) spokesperson provided the following updates today (July 15) regarding a cluster of COVID-19 suspected of nosocomial infection reported yesterday (July 14):

QEH reported yesterday that three female patients staying in the same cubicle of a medical ward was confirmed with COVID-19 infections. The hospital has followed up with the remaining 42 female patients of the concerned ward. All the patient specimens taken for nasopharyngeal swab were tested negative of COVID-19. Nine patients had been discharged. The hospital will maintain close communication with the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) to follow up the condition of the discharged patients. The two COVID-19 confirmed patients (case numbers: 1513 and 1563) and one preliminary positive patient are in stable conditions and they are under isolation treatment.

QEH has also followed up with the healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and patient care assistants, who had contacted with the confirmed cases. A total of 62 healthcare workers have taken the COVID-19 tests, among them 30 were tested negative to COVID-19 while the remaining tests are still in progress.

On the other hand, a patient care assistant who works in the same ward was today also tested preliminary positive of COVID-19 today. She has not returned to the hospital for work during July 10 to 14. On July 12, she attended QEH Accident and Emergency Department with presence of upper respiratory symptoms and her COVID-19 test was negative at that time. She returned to work this afternoon. She had the COVID-19 test again in voluntary basis, and the test result was positive. As per her report, she resides in Tsz Wan Shan district. The hospital preliminary epidemiology investigation shows that the index patient of the cluster of cases was admitted on July 12, meaning that the patient care assistant was not present when the infections took place. It is believed that the patient care assistant was not related to the cluster of cases. There is also no evidence showing that she infected any patient during her work at the ward.

The hospital will closely work with CHP for further investigation and also monitor the condition of concerned staff and patients. The hospital has stepped up infection control measures and suspended of admitting new patients according to the established mechanism in the concerned ward.

Queen Elizabeth Hospital today (14 July) announced a cluster of COVID-19 suspected of nosocomial infection:

A 92-year-old female patient was admitted to the general medical ward via the Accident & Emergency Department in the early morning of 12 July due to her chronic disease. Her nasopharyngeal swab specimen was tested and confirmed positive for COVID-19 on the same evening. She was immediately arranged to be transferred to the isolation ward to continue treatment, and the current situation is stable.

The hospital’s infection control team immediately conducted a contact tracing. A nurse who took the specimen for the patient did not wear full set of personal protective equipment. The hospital will maintain close communication with the Centre for Health Protection to arrange the required quarantine arrangements.

Among the 10 patients in the same cubicle, one has died due to her own disease. The hospital arranged isolation treatment and quarantine for the remaining nine patients according to the recommendations of the Centre for Health Protection. In addition, the 27 healthcare staff who had contacted with the patient and the other 44 inpatients in the same ward required medical surveillance. The hospital will provide the staff concerned with the test if required.

Among the nine patients in the same cubicle, a 77-year-old female patient was diagnosed with COVID-19 in the evening of 13 July. The patient was sent to the hospital on 28 June due to a fall and was discharged on 2 July. However, she was re-admitted to the hospital due to hypertension on the same evening and was transferred to the general medical ward on 9 July. In view of the stable condition of the patient, the hospital transferred the patient to ‪Hong Kong Buddhist Hospital on 12 July to continue treatment. ‪The nasopharyngeal specimen collected by Hong Kong Buddhist Hospital for this patient was tested negative for COVID-19. However, when QEH learned that the 92-year-old female patient was confirmed, the patient was arranged to return to the hospital for isolation on 13 July. After retesting, she was found to be positive for COVID-19 on the evening of 13 July. The patient is currently in stable condition.

Hong Kong Buddhist Hospital will arrange for the isolation of five patients who have been in the same cubicle. In addition, 13 healthcare staff who have contacted the patient will undergo medical surveillance.

There is another 64-year-old female patient in the same cubicle with two confirmed patients in the hospital. She was also diagnosed with COVID-19 on 14 July. The female patient was admitted to the ward for palliative treatment on 19 June due to chronic disease. However, staff found that the patient had fever on the evening of 13 July and collected a nasopharyngeal swab specimen for the patient. On the afternoon of 14 July, it was confirmed to be positive for COVID-19. The patient is currently in stable condition.

Professor Yuen Kwok-Yung, Chair Professor of the Department of Microbiology, University of Hong Kong and Dr Raymond Lai, Chief Infection Control Officer of the Hospital Authority visited QEH tonight. The expert group initially suspected that the virus was likely spread through indirect contact.

The medical ward that the patients had stayed has been suspended for admitting patients and arranged for thorough cleansing.

The hospital will continue to follow up the incident closely with the CHP. The hospital reminds staff again that appropriate personal protective equipment needs to be worn when conducting high-risk procedures for patients. The hospital will continue to maintain close communication with frontline staff, provide the necessary personal protective equipment, reinforce the importance of hand hygiene and also monitor the elderly patients admitted to the hospital.