The Centre for Health Protection today said it is investigating five additional imported COVID-19 cases, all involving mutant strains.

Among the five male patients, three arrived in Hong Kong from high-risk places and two were from medium-risk places.

Four of them tested positive upon arrival, while one tested positive during quarantine, the centre elaborated.

Moreover, each of the two Qatar Airways passenger flights QR818 from Doha, Qatar arriving Hong Kong on October 13 and 16 had two passengers confirmed to have COVID-19 by arrival testing. The Department of Health has subsequently prohibited the landing of the airline’s passenger flights from Doha in Hong Kong from October 18 to 31.

Additionally, the centre reminded specified people linked to Golden Glory Court, Phase 1, Golden Lion Garden in Sha Tin to get tested tomorrow. A mobile specimen collection station will be reopened at the open area outside Golden Glory Court to provide free testing.

In relation to a previous local case with the L452R mutant strain and an imported case who had stayed in Hong Kong during the incubation period, specified people have to undergo additional testing in accordance with a compulsory testing notice. Those who have completed a COVID-19 vaccination course will not be exempted.

Furthermore, two schools with an outbreak of upper respiratory tract infection or influenza-like illness are included in the same compulsory testing notice. Fully vaccinated people, however, will be exempted.

A total of 68 cases were reported in Hong Kong in the past 14 days, one of which is a local case with an unknown infection source and the rest are imported.

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