Hong Kong to further relax COVID-19 measures amid dropping infections

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Tuesday announced a further relaxation of social distancing measures as new coronavirus infections showed signs of abating

Starting Friday, the cap on group gatherings will be loosened to four people from two for seven days and the number of diners allowed to sit together at restaurants will also be raised to four, Sophia Chan, secretary for food and health of the government of HKSAR, said at a press briefing Tuesday.

Some entertainment venues including mahjong parlors and game centers will also reopen on Friday, Chan added.

However, high-risk premises, including party rooms, night clubs and swimming pools, will remain shut, but the government will reopen them in the next phase unless the epidemic situation reverses, Chan said.

HKSAR reported six new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, including three local infections and three from overseas, according to local health officials.

The city's death toll now stands at 99.

(With input from Xinhua)