The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesman for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital announced today (July 29) that a 76-year-old female patient confirmed with COVID-19 infection (case no: 1776) passed away this morning.
      
     The patient with multiple chronic diseases was admitted to a medical ward in Queen Elizabeth Hospital on June 30 due to shortness of breath caused by heart failure. The same cubicle of the ward had confirmed cases of COVID-19. The patient was identified as a close contact and transferred to isolation ward. She was tested positive for COVID-19 in the routine nasopharyngeal swab test on July 17. The condition of patient was stable at that time. Despite anti-viral drug therapy, the patient's condition had not improved. Her condition started to deteriorate on July 24. The hospital adjusted the medication and provided oxygen support to the patient. The patient's condition continued to deteriorate afterwards and the hospital communicated with the family. The patient's family agreed to have Do-Not-Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation if the patient condition further deteriorated. The patient eventually succumbed at 8.11am today.

     The Hospital was saddened about the passing away of the patient and would offer necessary assistance to his family.
      
     Including the above case, 24 COVID-19 confirmed patients have passed away in public hospitals so far.

Ends/Wednesday, July 29, 2020
Issued at HKT 13:47

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