• Existing curbs, such as limiting to four the number of people allowed to eat out together or gather in public, to last until at least October 1
• Lam says continued existence of untraced coronavirus cases prevents further relaxation, as city records eight new infections

Hongkongers will not be out celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival in big numbers after the government on Tuesday extended social-distancing measures for another week, as the city confirmed eight new Covid-19 cases.Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said while Hong Kong’s third wave of the coronavirus was gradually receding – with just seven confirmed cases of unknown origin detected in the past week – the city should not let its guard down.

“As I predicted a week ago, it would be difficult to further relax our social-distancing measures in a week’s time,” Lam said at her weekly press briefing.Existing curbs including limiting to four the number of people allowed to eat out together or gather in public will now remain in place until October 1, the date of the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day.

While restaurants can stay open until midnight, as allowed under last week’s easing of restrictions, many Hongkongers hoped to have more freedom with which to mark the festival, a time traditionally associated with large family gatherings.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said on Tuesday anti-contagion measures would remain in place for at least another week. Photo: Nora TamHongkongers will not be out celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival in big numbers after the government on Tuesday extended social-distancing measures for another week, as the city confirmed eight new Covid-19 cases.Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said while Hong Kong’s third wave of the coronavirus was gradually receding – with just seven confirmed cases of unknown origin detected in the past week – the city should not let its guard down.

Bars open to brisk business on Friday after two-month closure19 Sep 2020

“As I predicted a week ago, it would be difficult to further relax our social-distancing measures in a week’s time,” Lam said at her weekly press briefing.Existing curbs including limiting to four the number of people allowed to eat out together or gather in public will now remain in place until October 1, the date of the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day.

While restaurants can stay open until midnight, as allowed under last week’s easing of restrictions, many Hongkongers hoped to have more freedom with which to mark the festival, a time traditionally associated with large family gatherings.

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Most leisure venues in the city, such as karaoke lounges and bars, reopened from Friday, subject to conditions to curb the virus’ spread.

While a day of celebration for many, National Day usually brings opposition activists to the streets in protest.

Health authorities announced eight new coronavirus cases, included three locally transmitted infections, all of which were from traceable sources. The five imported cases were all from India and included one seafarer.