The Centre for Health Protection today said it is investigating four additional COVID-19 cases which are all imported.

The newly reported cases involve one man and three women who arrived from the UK, Russia and Indonesia.

A total of 42 cases were reported in Hong Kong in the past 14 days, including 40 imported cases and two import-related cases.

Meanwhile, the Food & Health Bureau announced that the Government will continue to provide its free COVID-19 testing service at community testing centres for people in targeted groups who have yet to complete a COVID-19 vaccination course or are unfit for vaccination because of health reasons. 

The move was made in the light of multiple cases involving the L452R mutant strain in Hong Kong recently and taking into account the high transmissibility of mutant strains.

The Government considered it necessary to extend the relevant testing arrangements to cut off transmission chains as quickly as possible, the bureau said.

Staff of catering businesses, scheduled premises and quarantine hotels can book a free test every seven days.

Construction site personnel, staff of swimming pools, beaches and specified hotels can book a free test every 14 days.

Working staff accompanying and receiving local group tours can book for a free test within seven days before the tour and receive no more than one free test every seven days.

The free testing service will be available until the end of July.

Eligible people should book in advance via the community testing centre booking system. Those who do not make an appointment will have to pay $240 for the service.

Apart from the community testing centres, citizens can continue to utilise other free testing channels provided by the Government.

For information and health advice on COVID-19, visit the Government's dedicated webpage.