S. Korea reports 500 new COVID-19 cases on Monday; gov't strengthens prevention measures for civil servants
신규확진 500명, 주말-휴일영향 6일만에 500명대…확산세는 지속
South Korea reported 500 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday, a sharp decline from recent days, but that was due to fewer tests being done over the weekend.
The health authorities have announced stricter rules for civil servants to stop a potential fourth wave, and they're looking at raising the distancing level overall, which would mean restaurants can only have customers dine in until 9 PM.
Han Seong-woo reports.
South Korea reported 500 new COVID-19 cases on Monday.
It's the first time since last Tuesday that the figure has dropped below six hundred, with the low number due to fewer tests conducted over the weekend.
469 of Monday's cases were locally transmitted, with over 300 coming from Seoul and the surrounding area.
Outside the capital region, the cities of Busan and Ulsan, combined with Gyeongsangnam-do Province accounted for nearly 70 new patients.
Cluster infections at public facilities, restaurants and bars across the country added to the tally and a recent outbreak on a navy vessel is now being linked to at least 34 cases.
"From April eighteenth to April twenty fourth, the daily average of new cases nationwide was 659-point-one. That's a six-point-one percent increase from the week before and the figures have been on the rise for five weeks straight."
To stem the rapid spread of the virus, the government has designated this week, starting Monday, a special virus prevention period.
Civil servants, including military personnel, are banned from dining together or holding large gatherings.
And to minimize contact, working from home as well as working flexible business hours will be expanded in the public sector.
If cases continue to surge, officials may consider raising the social distancing level.
Restaurants and cafes in the capital area could then have to close an hour earlier, and would only be allowed to serve take-out or delivery food after nine PM.
South Korea's total number of COVID-19 cases is now approaching the 120-thousand mark.
The virus has claimed four more lives, raising the death toll to one-thousand-817.
Han Seong-woo, Arirang News.
#COVID19 #SouthKorea #infection
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2021-04-26, 17:00 (KST)
