The Centre for Health Protection today said it is investigating 329 additional COVID-19 cases, of which 127 were detected by nucleic acid tests and 202 were identified via rapid antigen tests.

Among the new cases, 31 are imported while the rest are locally infected.

The centre added that four more patients passed away, bringing the total number of deaths in the fifth wave of the epidemic to 9,152.

Meanwhile, the whole genome sequencing analysis conducted by the Department of Health's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch confirmed that an earlier imported case carried the sub-lineage BA.4 under the Omicron mutant strain.

It involves a 29-year-old woman who arrived from the UK on May 8 and tested positive during compulsory quarantine.

Including this case, Hong Kong has recorded eight imported sub-lineage BA.4 cases so far.

Separately, the Government made restriction-testing declarations to cover Ka Yiu House of Ka Shing Court in Fanling, King Tai House of On Tai Estate in Kwun Tong and West Terrace of Sai Wan Estate in Kennedy Town.

People in the restricted areas are required to undergo compulsory testing before the specified deadline.

Furthermore, due to a number of positive cases, 40 specified places are included in a compulsory testing notice.

The Government has set up mobile specimen collection stations in various districts to facilitate people subject to compulsory testing.

As there were positive sewage test results with relatively high viral loads in several areas of Southern, Kwun Tong and Wan Chai districts, the Housing Department and the respective district offices will distribute COVID-19 rapid test kits to relevant residents as well as cleaning workers and property management staff working there.

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