March 29, 2003
The following is jointly issued by the Department of Health and the Hospital Authority:
As at 1 pm today (March 29), a total of 470 people with pneumonia symptoms have been admitted to public hospitals. The 45 additional patients reported today include three healthcare workers and 22 patients from Amoy Gardens. The remaining 23 were new patients and contacts of patients with atypical pneumonia.
The DH has visited Amoy Gardens last night and performed screening of its residents to ensure their health. A medical surveillance post has been set up to address health concerns of the residents. Investigations including a detailed questionnaire study of the cases are being performed.
As at today, 43 patients have been discharged from hospitals. A total of 53 patients are receiving treatment in the intensive care unit.
A 85-year-old male patient with history of cardiac disease died in Prince of Wales Hospital this morning, bringing to 12 the total number of patients died with atypical pneumonia.
The breakdown of figures is as follows:
| Nature | Total Admission (The numbers in bracket are those with pneumonia symptoms) |
| Health care workers of Hospitals/Clinics and medical students |
156 (156)
24 of the patients were discharged |
| Patients, family members & visitors |
314 (314)
19 of the patients were discharged |
| Total admission |
470 (470)
43 were discharged |
DH has set up a telephone hotline 2961 8968 to provide members of the public health advice on the prevention of atypical pneumonia. The hotline is manned between 9 am and 5 pm from Monday to Friday, and from 9 am to 1 pm on Saturday. Information on atypical pneumonia is also available at DH's website www.info.gov.hk/dh .