The Centre for Health Protection today said it is investigating five additional imported COVID-19 cases, all of which involve the L452R mutant strain.

Arriving in the city from high-risk places, four patients tested positive by the test-and-hold arrangement at the Hong Kong International Airport and the remaining one tested positive during quarantine.

Two patients are male air crew members. While one arrived from the US and the UK, the other one came from Russia, the centre added. The three female patients are domestic helpers who arrived from the Philippines.

In relation to a patient of a previously confirmed imported COVID-19 case who had stayed in Hong Kong during the incubation period, any person who had been present at Market Place by Jasons at Mayfair Lane in Tai Po during the specified period must undergo additional testing.

Meanwhile, four schools are covered in the compulsory testing notice due to an outbreak of upper respiratory tract infection or influenza-like illness.

A total of 61 cases were reported in Hong Kong in the past 14 days, all of which are imported.

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