This photo dated Sept 6, 2020 shows a sign that reads "Please maintain physical distance" at the Hong Kong International Airport. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVERNMENT)

HONG KONG- Hong Kong reported eight new imported COVID-19 cases on Sunday, bringing the city’s tally to 12,526.

The Centre for Health Protection said in a statement that the new patients included five men from France, Italy, Spain, India, and Kenya and two women from the United Kingdom, and another woman from Switzerland.

Also on Sunday, the Hong Kong government said it would specify Palestine and Ukraine as Group A specified (high-risk) places from Dec 22, meaning non-Hong Kong residents who have stayed in the two places within 21 days will not be allowed to enter Hong Kong

Except for the man from France and the women from Switzerland, all the patients were infected with the N501Y mutant variant. The patient from France had the L452R variant while the test result for the woman from Switzerland is still pending. 

Three of the patients tested positive at Hong Kong International Airport, four at their quarantine hotel, while one patient was confirmed positive at a quarantine facility. They were all fully vaccinated.

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The CHP added that a total of 66 COVID-19 cases were reported from Dec 5 to 18 and all of them were imported.

Also on Sunday, the Hong Kong government said it would specify Palestine and Ukraine as Group A specified (high-risk) places from Dec 22. Non-Hong Kong residents who have stayed in the two places within 21 days will not be allowed to enter Hong Kong. 

Meanwhile, Hong Kong residents can only board a flight for Hong Kong if they have been fully vaccinated and hold a recognized vaccination record. The announcement came after Omicron infections were confirmed in the two places.

As of Sunday, a total of 86 confirmed patients were being treated at the North Lantau Hospital Hong Kong Infection Control Centre and the Hospital Authority Infectious Disease Centre, including one patient in serious condition.