The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     As at yesterday (January 8), a total of 4 837 patients who tested positive for COVID-19 were hospitalised for treatment. Among the hospitalised confirmed patients, 378 were new patients, 2 766 required isolation, 776 required oxygen therapy and 80 required ventilator support. There were 31 newly reported critical patients and 27 newly reported serious patients. There were a total of 227 patients in critical condition and 246 in serious condition, of which 54 critical patients were receiving intensive care. Moreover, there were 307 patients who had recovered, including 250 patients who had been discharged. In addition, 64 patients who passed away in public hospitals were reported. According to preliminary analysis, the cause of death of 32 patients was related to COVID-19, while that of the remaining 32 patients was not.
 
     In addition, 15 patients in a medical infirmary ward of Yan Chai Hospital tested positive for COVID-19 with symptoms since January 2. Three patients had passed away due to their underlying disease. Their cause of death was not related to COVID-19 according to preliminary analysis. The death cases concerned have been announced in previous and today's (January 9) press releases. The remaining 12 patients are being treated in isolation, of which 10 patients are in stable condition and two patients are in serious condition. Admission and visiting arrangements for the ward concerned have been suspended. Thorough cleaning and disinfection have been conducted in the areas concerned, while infection control measures have been enhanced.
 
     The overall occupancy of medical beds in acute hospitals is around 116 per cent.
 
     In the past week, there were 723 COVID-19 patients who reside in residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs) that were admitted to hospitals. The number is lower than the 990 and 928 RCHE COVID-19 patients admitted in the past two weeks respectively. The Hospital Authority (HA) is very concerned and will closely monitor the situation. The HA will keep close communication with relevant government departments and RCHEs so as to enhance medical support to RCHEs through the outreach teams.
 
     The HA 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, January 9, 2023
Issued at HKT 19:05

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