Hong Kong has further eased its quarantine and isolation measures following mainland China’s major shift away from its zero-Covid policy, but a continuing surge in daily infections is keeping the city from lifting social-distancing rules over the coming holiday season.

But health officials sparked disappointment in the restaurant and bar trade after saying current social-distancing measures would remain in place over Christmas, as they reported 14,373 new coronavirus cases, including 798 imported infections, on Thursday, the highest since March 19. Another 27 deaths were also recorded.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said the city had adjusted its policies with the “same scientific and precise principles” adopted by mainland authorities, which had announced their long-awaited easing of pandemic rules a day earlier.

“I fully understand citizens’ expectations for the reopening of the [mainland] border,” Lee said during a reception.