The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
     
     The Hospital Authority spokesperson today (January 31) announced the passing away of two more patients confirmed with COVID-19 infection yesterday (January 30).
      
     An 83-year-old male patient (case number: 6913) was admitted to Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital for isolation treatment on December 6 due to COVID-19. The patient required mechanical ventilation due to respiratory failure and he was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit on December 11. After treatment, the patient was tested negative for COVID-19 and released from the isolation order by the Department of Health on December 27. His condition continued to deteriorate though and he eventually succumbed at 8.03pm yesterday.
      
     In addition, a 95-year-old male COVID-19 confirmed patient (case number: 9062) with chronic illness, was admitted to United Christian Hospital on January 5 due to shortness of breath. He was subsequently tested positive for COVID-19. His condition continued to deteriorate and he eventually succumbed at 9.38pm last evening.
      
     The hospitals are saddened about the passing away of the patients and would offer the necessary assistance to their families.
      
     Including the above two patients, 176 COVID-19 confirmed patients have passed away in public hospitals so far.

Ends/Sunday, January 31, 2021
Issued at HKT 13:13

NNNN