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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
Regarding the services of the eight Designated Flu Clinics (DFCs) and the confirmed human swine influenza patients admitted to public hospitals, the Hospital Authority (HA) spokesman provided the following updates today (July 20):
The Designated Flu Clinics today (as at 5pm) provide treatment to a total of 707 patients.
The HA spokesman reminded the public that the eight DFCs have ceased the provision of general outpatient services. Patients with other illnesses are advised to seek medical treatment at other general outpatient clinics in the district or private practitioners. Chronic patients who have been pre-scheduled for follow up at the eight DFCs should proceed to their corresponding clinics with drug refill service according to their date of original appointment and bring along the appointment slip and Identity Card.
As at 2.30pm today, there were 76 newly confirmed cases of human swine influenza in the past 24 hours. This brings to 1,886 the total number of confirmed human swine influenza cases in Hong Kong. Currently, a total of 41 confirmed cases are staying in public hospitals for treatment. Among of them, 36 cases are in stable condition (including two patients of Tuen Mun Hospital, a 34-year-old man and a 53-year-old woman, who were earlier in serious condition), and the other five in critical condition.
Furthermore, the confirmed cases announced today included a male nurse of Kwai Chung Hospital. He is isolated at home and under Tamiflu treatment, with stable condition.
Ends/Monday, July 20, 2009
Issued at HKT 20:05
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