Authorities have extended the current social distancing measures by two weeks, though have made some adjustments amid the continued nationwide spread of COVID-19.

Seoul and the surrounding Gyeonggi Province and Incheon will remain under Level Four, the highest in the country's four-tier system, while non-capital areas will stay under Level Three until September 5.

Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum announced the decision on Friday in a coronavirus meeting in Seoul, citing the continued spike in cases in the fourth wave of the pandemic. 

However, there will be some changes. Starting Monday, restaurants and cafes in areas under Level Four can only stay open until 9 p.m., an hour earlier than the current 10 p.m. 

Additionally, private gatherings of up to four people are allowed at restaurants and cafes after 6 p.m. if they include two fully vaccinated people. 

The prime minister vowed to enhance administrative measures against violations of quarantine rules.