The Hospital Authority today said two COVID-19 patients have passed away, taking the number of COVID-19 patients who died in public hospitals to 172.

One of the patients, a 47-year-old man with chronic disease, was admitted to Kwong Wah Hospital's accident & emergency department on December 23 due to shortness of breath. He was admitted to the isolation ward for treatment and later tested positive for COVID-19.

After treatment, the patient’s antibodies tested positive for the virus. His condition continued to deteriorate and he passed away this morning.

Another male patient, aged 66, who also had chronic disease, was transferred to United Christian Hospital from a quarantine centre on December 10. His condition continued to deteriorate and he died this afternoon.