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

Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung today announced that the Government will further tighten social distancing measures and extend the mask-wearing requirement to cover all outdoor public places from midnight on July 29 until August 4.

Outlining the anti-epidemic measures at a press conference this evening, Mr Cheung said given the continued deterioration of the COVID-19 epidemic situation, further tightening is necessary.

Restaurants, except those granted exemptions, must cease to provide dine-in services at all times and can only offer takeaway services and deliveries. Seating area in the food courts also have to be closed.

Sports premises and swimming pools are newly incorporated into the list of scheduled premises and must continue to suspend their operations.

Meanwhile, group gatherings in public places will be tightened from four to two unless exempted.

Regarding the mask-wearing requirement, people must wear a mask at all times in a public place, no matter if its indoors or outside.