The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     As at noon today (February 7), public hospitals had reported to the Department of Health the admission of 58 patients (25 male and 33 female, aged 17 months to 93) in the past 24 hours who met the reporting criteria of severe respiratory disease associated with a novel infectious agent. Specimens of the patients concerned have been sent for testing. There are still 94 patients under isolation.

     Among the 24 cases confirmed with novel coronavirus infection, 23 are still hospitalised. Three are critical and the others are stable in condition. Healthcare team is closely monitoring their situation and will discuss with experts on their treatment plans.

     As at noon today, the number of isolation beds in public hospitals was 878 with occupancy 40.4 per cent. The number of isolation wards was 470 with occupancy 60.6 per cent. The Hospital Authority (HA) will continue to switch the wards to negative pressure mode based on operational need.

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

Ends/Friday, February 7, 2020
Issued at HKT 21:02

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