Public hospitals daily update on COVID-19 cases

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     As at 0.00am today (November 19), a total of 2 407 patients who tested positive for COVID-19 are currently hospitalised for treatment, including 308 new patients. Currently, there are 229 patients requiring oxygen therapy and 10 patients requiring ventilator support. Among the patients staying in isolation facilities, 601 patients are in isolation wards, 195 patients are in second-tier isolation wards and 589 patients are in the North Lantau Hospital Hong Kong Infection Control Centre, of which 219 in total are new patients. There are eight newly reported critical patients and 12 newly reported serious patients. There are a total of 44 patients in critical condition and 48 are in serious condition, of which 12 critical patients are receiving intensive care. Moreover, there are 256 patients who have recovered, including 211 patients who have been discharged. In addition, nine patients who passed away in public hospitals were reported.

     In the fifth wave of the epidemic, there are 83 942 patients who have recovered so far, including 83 543 patients who have been discharged. And since early 2020, there are 96 322 patients who have recovered, including 95 923 patients who have been discharged.

     In addition, a 70-year-old female patient in a medicine and geriatrics ward of the Hong Kong Buddhist Hospital tested positive for COVID-19 on November 16. Further investigation identified five more female patients (aged 86 to 91) tested positive for COVID-19, four of whom had symptoms. All patients are being treated under isolation and are in stable 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 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.