ⓒYONHAP News

Restaurants and coffee shops were ordered to close by 9 p.m. in the Seoul metropolitan area from Monday, as the government extended the toughest Level Four social distancing for two more weeks with a few adjustments.

The restrictions — Level Four in the capital region and Level Three in most other areas — will be in place until September 5.

In Level Four areas, including Busan, Daejeon and Jeju Island, closing time at restaurants and coffee shops has been moved up by an hour from 10 p.m. to 9 p.m. Only delivery and takeout will be allowed after.

Also in these areas, only gatherings of up to two people will be allowed after 6 p.m. However, new rules have been introduced to allow up to four people to get together at restaurants and coffee shops if two are fully vaccinated.

Eating at convenience stores will be banned after 9 p.m. in Level Four areas and after 10 p.m. in Level Three areas.