Hong Kong has reported 44 new coronavirus cases as the government extends social distancing measures to curb the virus that has seen a resurgence in the Asian financial hub since early July, Reuters reported.

While the number of daily cases have come down from triple digits in recent weeks, authorities have cautioned residents from becoming complacent, warning that the situation remained “severe”.

Restrictions including a ban on dining at restaurants from 6pm and the mandating of masks in all outdoor public areas are set to remain in force for a further seven days until August 25, the government said in a statement.

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