(To watch the full press briefing with sign language interpretation, click here.)

The Hospital Authority announced that a pregnant woman who contracted COVID-19 gave birth via emergency caesarean section today and that the chance of her baby being infected with the virus is low.

The authority’s Chief Manager (Clinical Effectiveness & Technology Management) Dr Linda Yu told reporters at a press briefing this afternoon that the woman gave birth at Queen Elizabeth Hospital this morning.

“Regarding the pregnant lady in Queen Elizabeth Hospital, we have specialists in infectious diseases and obstetricians and (after) they discussed the situation and options with the patient, they decided to (perform) the emergency caesarean section.”

Dr Yu explained that the baby is currently being isolated separately from the mother and added that the authority will extend the offer to test the baby for the virus.

“According to overseas experience, the transmission (of COVID-19) to the fetus or baby is low, but we will offer testing for the baby to assess whether the baby is being infected or not.”

She also noted that the baby was intubated due to breathing difficulties.

For information and health advice on COVID-19, visit the Government’s dedicated webpage.