The Hospital Authority today said four COVID-19 patients have passed away, taking the number of COVID-19 patients who died in public hospitals to 143.

One of the patients, a 79-year-old woman with chronic illness, was admitted to Caritas Medical Centre on December 18 due to a fractured hip and fever. She subsequently tested positive for COVID-19.

Another patient, a 59-year-old woman, attended the accident and emergency department at Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital on December 5 with symptoms including fever, shortness of breath and loss of taste. She tested positive for the virus and was transferred to North District Hospital a day later.

A 63-year-old male patient, who also had chronic illness, was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital on November 27 due to a stroke. He later tested positive for COVID-19.

Additionally, an 89-year-old woman with terminal illness was admitted to United Christian Hospital on December 24 due to shortness of breath. She later tested positive for the virus.

The condition of these patients continued to deteriorate and they passed away today.