The Government today announced the social distancing measures currently in place will be maintained until November 12.

The Food & Health Bureau said while the local epidemic situation has continued to subside since mid-October, new cases with unknown sources of infection have still been identified over the past week, indicating the existence of silent transmission chains in the community.

The bureau said it is worrying that the number of locally acquired cases has shown an increasing trend in recent days and small cluster outbreaks are being seen as a result of anti-epidemic fatigue and frequent social activities in the community.

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

Steam and sauna facilities as well as ball pits will continue to be prohibited from opening as they involve higher health risks.

Unless exempted, the prohibition on group gatherings of more than four people in public places will continue during the seven-day period from November 6.

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 today.