Social distancing measures in Hong Kong were relaxed on Friday, now allowing at least six people to sit at a restaurant table, up from the initial four, while the group limit in bars and pubs also increased from two to four.

Based on relaxation, food and beverage outlets will also be able to offer dinner services until 2 a.m., an extension from midnight, reports the South China Morning Post.

But customers must wear a mask when not seated and are not allowed to eat or drink outside their tables.

Capacity limits also increased from 50% to 75% for restaurants, bars and pubs, nightclubs, swimming pools, and public entertainment venues such as theme parks and museums.

But the ban on public gatherings of more than four people, the mandatory use of masks in public transportation and other rules related to social distancing remain in effect.

However, infectious disease expert Leung Chi-chiu warned that the coronavirus situation in Hong Kong remained unstable despite the number of local cases declining in recent weeks.

“Although the October figure is lower than July, the epidemic has not yet reached a controlled stage,” he said during a local radio show on Friday.

On Thursday, the city recorded two imported cases and one locally transmitted infection, increasing the official count to 5,313, with 105 deaths.