The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

      As at noon today (February 17), public hospitals had reported to the Department of Health the admission of 15 patients (eight male and seven female, aged 23 to 70) 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 currently 96 patients under isolation. So far, two patients who had novel coronavirus infection have been discharged upon recovery.
      
      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.

Ends/Monday, February 17, 2020
Issued at HKT 17:52

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