The Seoul city government will extend the current ban and restrictions on street rallies until next Wednesday amid a recent uptick in COVID-19 cases.

This comes hours after the city government announced that it would lift the ban on rallies at the city's major locations, such as Gwanghwamun Square, and ease the restriction from a max of nine people to 49 for other areas from Thursday.

The current rally ban on a number of venues in the city was introduced in February last year, followed by restricting participation to a maximum of nine people in August the same year.

While the restriction was eased to allow up to 99 people in October 2020, it was again tightened the following month amid a resurgence in cases.

Violators will face a fine of three million won or less.