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 182.

One of the patients, an 82-year-old woman with an underlying disease, tested positive for COVID-19 and was admitted to Prince of Wales Hospital for isolation treatment on December 5.

After treatment, the patient tested positive for an antibody and was released from isolation on order by the Department of Health on January 12. She was transferred to Shatin Hospital for treatment the next day.

The patient was transferred back to Prince of Wales Hospital on January 31 due to deterioration of her underlying disease. Her condition continued to deteriorate and she passed away last night.

The other patient, an 87-year-old man with chronic diseases, attended Queen Elizabeth Hospital's accident and emergency department on February 3 due to a cough and shortness of breath.

He then tested positive for COVID-19 and was admitted to the isolation ward for treatment. His condition continued to worsen and he died today.