Amid the continued nationwide spread of COVID-19, South Korea will remain under the current social distancing measures for another two weeks from Monday.

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.

Starting Monday, restaurants and cafes in areas under Level Four can only stay open until 9 p.m., an hour earlier than the current time of 10 p.m. After 9 p.m., only takeout and delivery services are permitted.

At Level Four, private gatherings of up to two people are allowed after 6 p.m. in principle. However, gatherings of up to four people are allowed at restaurants and cafes even after that time if they include two fully vaccinated people.

Food consumption at convenience stores is allowed until 9 p.m. under Level Four and 10 p.m. under Level Three.

Karaoke rooms, indoor sport facilities, movie theaters and cram schools can operate until 10 p.m. under Level Four.