The Hospital Authority today announced that two patients at Pok Oi Hospital have tested preliminary positive for COVID-19. Thorough cleansing and disinfection have been arranged for the wards concerned.

A 79-year-old male patient who has underlying disease was sent to the hospital by ambulance at noon on December 4 due to dizziness. His condition deteriorated and high-flow oxygen therapy was required on the way to the hospital.

Upon arrival, the patient was sent to a trauma room for resuscitation with intubation to assist his breathing. He was then transferred to an isolation room with negative pressure of the intensive care unit.

The patient's preliminary COVID-19 test result available in the evening was positive, the authority said.

His 74-year-old wife also reported that she felt unwell and was admitted to the hospital's surveillance ward. She also tested preliminary positive for the virus and her condition deteriorated in the evening.

Both patients are now hospitalised in Tuen Mun Hospital's intensive care unit and their conditions are critical.

The authority said all staff members who had contact with the two patients wore appropriate personal protective equipment and therefore, no one was listed as a close contact or other contact.

It added that a 73-year-old male patient was classified as a close contact since he was receiving medical treatment in the connected trauma room next door while the male patient concerned was undergoing resuscitation.

He has tested negative for the virus and has been transferred to a single room for quarantine.