Hong Kong (AFP) - Authorities in Macau reopened two beaches on Saturday, but banned swimming and water sports, amid fears of the coronavirus .

The city, known for gambling clubs, is gradually regaining its activity after an outbreak that is the most serious of the epidemic so far, prompting officials earlier this month to close casinos and most commercial activities for about two weeks.

With the temperature reaching 34 degrees Celsius on Saturday, Macao residents were allowed to "enter the beach for picnics and relaxation", but officials banned water sports.

The government said that beachgoers should "at all times wear masks of specific specifications, adhere to social distancing, avoid crowds and refrain from strenuous exercise."

Families flocked to Hac Sa Beach on Saturday morning, and one frequenter expressed his understanding of the restrictions, Macau's public radio announced.

Since Wednesday, the city has not announced any new Covid-19 cases since the outbreak in mid-June, when the death toll reached just over 1,800.

Macau is implementing strict restrictions to combat the epidemic. A citizen was fined 3,000 patacas ($370) last week after he drove his car to Hac Sa Beach against instructions, according to local media.

Macau is implementing China's "zero COVID" strategy which includes strict lockdown measures, border control and social distancing.