(To watch the full press conference with sign language interpretation, click here.)

The social distancing measures currently in place will be maintained until January 6 and may be tightened if the epidemic situation deteriorates, Secretary for Food & Health Prof Sophia Chan said today.

Announcing the Government’s decision at a press conference this afternoon, Prof Chan said there is no room to relax the social distancing measures it has put in place to contain the spread of COVID-19.

"We are now extending the current stringent social distancing measures for another 14 days until January 6, 2021."

Under the latest requirements, catering premises must stop selling or supplying food or drink for consumption on their premises from 6pm to 4.59am the subsequent day and no more than two people can sit together at one table within any catering premises.

Bars or pubs will continue to be closed.

Except for club houses and hotels or guesthouses, all scheduled premises regulated under the Prevention & Control of Disease (Requirements & Directions) (Business & Premises) Regulation must remain closed as well.

The prohibition on group gatherings of more than two people in public places and the mandatory mask-wearing requirement will continue.

Prof Chan added that the Government will not hesitate to strengthen social distancing restrictions if the situation warrants.

"We will continue to monitor the epidemic situation. So we will not preclude any further tightening of our social distancing measures if the situation goes downhill."