The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     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 spokesman 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 (GOPCs), 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 spokesman 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."

Ends/Sunday, August 28, 2022
Issued at HKT 11:30

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