Tam Yiu-chung, a Hong Kong member of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, arrives at a coronavirus testing center at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center on Sept 2, 2020. (PARKER ZHENG / CHINA DAILY)

HONG KONG - Hong Kong’s social distancing rules will be relaxed further, including extending by one hour dine-in service in restaurants and the reopening of gyms, the Hong Kong government said on Wednesday.

Starting Friday, customers will be allowed to eat at restaurants from 5 am to 10 pm, or one hour more than what was allowed under the previous guidelines. No more than two people will be allowed per table

However, the National Day Fireworks Display originally scheduled to be held at Victoria Harbour on October 1 has been cancelled due to the epidemic.  

Starting Friday, customers will be allowed to eat at restaurants from 5 am to 10 pm, or one hour more than what was allowed under previous guidelines. No more than two people will be allowed per table, Secretary for Food and Health Sophia Chan Siu-chee said at a press conference.

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Chan said the dine-in services at restaurants were extended after residents complained that they had to rush for dinner to follow the 9 pm cut-off.

Gyms, indoor sports venues and massage parlors can reopen with limited capacity and strict infection control measures, Chan said.

The reopening of fitness and sports venues was meant for the residents' mental and physical health, she said.

On the other hand, a ban on public gatherings of more than two people and an order on the mandatory wearing of face masks in public areas will be extended to Sept 10, she added.

Hong Kong reported eight new virus cases on Wednesday, the lowest single-day increase since early July. The tally stood at 4,830. 

ALSO READ: HK reports eight new virus cases, lowest since early July

Two men, aged 66 and 79, died on Wednesday morning after they were infected with the virus, pushing the city’s coronavirus-related death toll to 92.

Wednesday also marked the second day of Hong Kong’s citywide free coronavirus testing. As of noon, around 745,000 people had registered for the tests. Chan once again appealed for residents to sign up for the testing.

READ MORE: HK CE says test 'safe, simple, convenient and fast'