According to current arrangements, Lo said that non-eligible groups such as non-Hongkongers will be charged HK$1,230 for reception fees in the Accident and Emergency Services Departments of public hospitals.

Non-residents also have to pay more than HK$6,000 if they are prescribed oral Covid medication in public hospitals.

Besides, non-residents can only be eligible to receive booster jabs of BioNTech or Sinovac if they stay in Hong Kong for at least 30 days.

"We emphasis that the government will not offer free jabs for people who come to Hong Kong for a short period of time," Lo said in a press conference today, noting non-eligible groups can pay for medical services in private clinics by themselves.

"We will confirm that Hong Kong residents can enjoy priority in receiving public healthcare services and medicine," he added.