The Centre for Health Protection today reported that according to the whole genome sequencing analysis conducted by the Department of Health's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch, eight more previous COVID-19 imported cases were confirmed to have the Omicron variant.

The eight cases (numbers 12529, 12530, 12531, 12532, 12533, 12534, 12535 and 12536) were announced on December 19 and 20, involving six men and two women aged between 20 and 68.

Two patients tested positive upon arrival at Hong Kong International Airport, five tested positive during quarantine and one was confirmed infected with COVID-19 in a test while waiting for transfer at the airport's restricted area.

So far, 27 Omicron cases have been identified in Hong Kong.

In view of the increasing risk posed by the Omicron variant, the centre said it will enhance contact tracing work and infection control measures for cases involving the variant, in addition to the comprehensive tightening of inbound control measures announced by the Government.

As some of the imported Omicron cases were confirmed in designated quarantine hotels, the centre has requested the hotels concerned to take additional infection control and surveillance measures to further reduce the possible risk of infection.

If a patient carrying the Omicron variant had stayed in a designated quarantine hotel, daily testing will be arranged for those who stayed in the adjacent and opposite rooms to the patient's room until seven days after the patient's transfer out.

For those who had stayed in the adjacent and opposite rooms within the same period as the patient but had completed compulsory quarantine at the hotel, the centre will request them to undergo additional testing in the community as soon as possible.

They will also be advised to avoid group gatherings until they complete seven days of additional surveillance.

The centre said it will ensure that staff of designated quarantine hotels have received regular testing and will also remind the hotels to enhance ventilation and conduct thorough disinfection of rooms.