The Government today announced the social distancing measures currently in place will be maintained until October 22.

The Food & Health Bureau said it is worrying that the average number of locally confirmed COVID-19 cases continued to increase over the past week, with a number of cases with unknown sources of infection reported, indicating the existence of silent transmission chains in the community and highly probable rebound in the epidemic situation.

Taking into account the latest public health risk assessment, the Government will maintain all requirements and restrictions applicable to catering businesses and scheduled premises.

Activities and facilities involving higher health risks such as dancing, steam and sauna facilities and ball pits will continue to be suspended or prohibited from opening.

Unless exempted, the prohibition on group gatherings of more than four people in public places will continue during the above seven-day period.

The requirement for wearing a mask at all times when on public transport and in all public places will also remain in effect.

The Government will gazette directions and specifications under three relevant regulations tomorrow.