File photo: CGTN

Chief Executive of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Carrie Lam on Monday announced that the region will impose a ban on public gatherings of more than four people starting from Wednesday amid the spike in COVID-19 cases.

Twelve kinds of venues with a high risk of COVID-19 infections, including beauty salons, fitness centers, will also be suspended for seven days from Wednesday, said Lam.

On Monday, Hong Kong reported 41 local infections of COVID-19, a new high since the COVID-19 outbreak rebound since early July.