Guests wearing face masks receive free hand sanitizers at Ocean Park in Hong Kong, June 13, 2020 as the attraction reopened after nearly four months of closure due to the coronavirus pandemic. (KIN CHEUNG / AP)

HONG KONG - Hong Kong will let groups of up to 50 people meet from Friday, easing an earlier limit of eight people, after reporting only a small number of coronavirus cases in recent weeks, Secretary for Food and Health Sophia Chan Siu-chee said.

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The decision was made after taking into consideration the latest public health situation, needs for economic recovery and public expectation for resuming social activities, Sophia Chan said

The Asian financial hub has reported a total of 1,112 cases and four deaths since the outbreak began in late January.

The new rules will come into effect on June 19 for a period of 14 days till July 2.

The limit on the number of people allowed to be seated together at one table in catering business premises will be removed, while the limit on headcount at bars, amusement game centers, fitness centers, party rooms and other premises will be relaxed.

The decision was made after taking into consideration the latest public health situation, needs for economic recovery and public expectation for resuming social activities, Chan said.

The Center for Health Protection of the government's Department of Health said no new local confirmed COVID-19 cases were reported on Tuesday, with the total number of confirmed cases in Hong Kong standing at 1,112.

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According to Hong Kong's Hospital Authority, as of Tuesday noon, a total of 1,069 patients with confirmed or probable infections have been discharged from hospital, while 40 confirmed patients remain hospitalized, including three in critical condition and one in serious condition.