SEOUL: South Korea reported its highest daily rise in novel coronavirus cases since early March on Sunday (Aug 23), as outbreaks continued to spread from a Seoul church and from political demonstrations its members had attended.
The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) reported 397 new infections as of midnight Saturday, up from the previous day's 332 and marking more than a week of daily three-digit rises.
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That brings South Korea's total to 17,399 infections of the new coronavirus with 309 COVID-19 deaths, it said.
READ: South Korea to ramp up coronavirus curbs over fears of second wave
From Sunday the government imposed second-tier social-distancing rules in areas outside Seoul, banning in-person church meetings and closing nightclubs, buffets and cyber cafes.
Health authorities say they may eventually deploy the toughest stage 3 social-distancing rules, where schools and business are urged to close, if the rate of increase in new infections does not slow soon.
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"We're on the brink of a nationwide pandemic as the number of new cases are increasing in all 17 regions across the country," said Jung Eun-Kyeong, Director General at the KCDC at a briefing on Sunday.
"Please stay home as much as possible, unless you absolutely need to (be out) for necessities, or for work and visits to doctors."
On social media, mothers posted notes saying they have cancelled vacation plans to nearby hotels and the southern resort island of Jeju to comply with government guidelines.
READ: South Korea urges more testing, quarantine as COVID-19 cases surge
On Friday, health authorities said South Korea's coronavirus infections are back "in full swing" as hRead More – Source
SEOUL: South Korea reported its highest daily rise in novel coronavirus cases since early March on Sunday (Aug 23), as outbreaks continued to spread from a Seoul church and from political demonstrations its members had attended.
The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) reported 397 new infections as of midnight Saturday, up from the previous day's 332 and marking more than a week of daily three-digit rises.
Advertisement
Advertisement
That brings South Korea's total to 17,399 infections of the new coronavirus with 309 COVID-19 deaths, it said.
READ: South Korea to ramp up coronavirus curbs over fears of second wave
From Sunday the government imposed second-tier social-distancing rules in areas outside Seoul, banning in-person church meetings and closing nightclubs, buffets and cyber cafes.
Health authorities say they may eventually deploy the toughest stage 3 social-distancing rules, where schools and business are urged to close, if the rate of increase in new infections does not slow soon.
Advertisement
Advertisement
"We're on the brink of a nationwide pandemic as the number of new cases are increasing in all 17 regions across the country," said Jung Eun-Kyeong, Director General at the KCDC at a briefing on Sunday.
"Please stay home as much as possible, unless you absolutely need to (be out) for necessities, or for work and visits to doctors."
On social media, mothers posted notes saying they have cancelled vacation plans to nearby hotels and the southern resort island of Jeju to comply with government guidelines.
READ: South Korea urges more testing, quarantine as COVID-19 cases surge
On Friday, health authorities said South Korea's coronavirus infections are back "in full swing" as hRead More – Source
