HONG KONG -- Two former Cathay Pacific flight attendants were arrested and charged with violating local anti-pandemic rules on Monday, Hong Kong police said.

Investigations revealed that the two persons arrived in Hong Kong from the United States on Dec 24 and Dec 25, 2021 respectively. During medical quarantine, they had conducted unnecessary activities on Dec 25 and Dec 27, respectively, breaching Hong Kong's Prevention and Control of Disease Regulation.

They were both subsequently tested positive for the Omicron variant of COVID-19, and have been discharged from the hospital upon completion of treatment.

The duo had reportedly visited friends and dined in restaurants in violation of the rules, causing community transmissions.

The two people, who have been released on bail, will stand trial at different courts on Feb 9.

According to the Prevention and Control of Disease Regulation, anyone who breaches certain rules will be found guilty, with a six-month imprisonment and a fine of HK$5,000 (about $640).