Hong Kong has tightened its social distancing measures after it saw 52 new confirmed Covid-19 cases on Monday, July 13, according to Hong Kong Free Press.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam announced some of the new measures on Monday evening.

Hong Kong commuters will have to wear masks on all public transport and paid areas of MTR stations, or risk a fine of HK$5,000 (SGD$899.16).

Patrons in Hong Kong will no longer be allowed to dine-in from 6pm to 5am.

Furthermore, only four people will be allowed at each table.

Businesses such as game centres, bars, cinemas, spas, gyms, karaoke venues, and massage parlours will be closed.

There will also be free testing for taxi drivers and people who work in elderly homes, eateries and property management.

According to HK01, Hong Kong's education bureau also announced the suspension of all on-campus activities for two weeks.

These measures will be implemented on Wednesday, July 15.

Third wave of the virus

These measures come as Hong Kong sees a sudden increase in the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases.

According to HK01, of the 52 new cases reported on July 13, 41 were locally transmitted cases.

The South China Morning Post reported that 253 confirmed cases — including 182 local infections — were recorded in the last eight days.

As of Tuesday, July 14, 48 new confirmed Covid-19 cases were reported, bringing the total number of cases up to 1,570.

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) professor David Hui said that the measures were tighter than he expected.

Hui added that the tightening of measures — such as making it mandatory to wear a mask on public transport — is a good thing.

He said that originally 95 per cent to 97 per cent of the people in Hong Kong wore face masks.

However, people seemed to have relaxed after Father's Day in Hong Kong, reported HK01.

Top image from Getty.