COVID-19 patients over 65 to be managed as critically ill under underlying conditions

COVID-19 patients aged 65 and older will be managed as critically ill if they haven't received a full course vaccine and have underlying health conditions, according to the newly released fourth diagnosis and treatment plan for critically ill COVID patients.

The underlying conditions include high blood pressure, diabetes, coronary heart disease, chronic lung disease, acute cancer or if they are immunocompromised, said the plan released by the National Health Commission and National Administration for Traditional Chinese Medicine on Friday.

Patients in critical conditions will be closely watched for finger oxygen saturation when resting and during exercises, and readings below 94 percent after mild exercise is a warning sign for worsening of conditions, the plan said.