South Korea expands ban on small gatherings to blunt COVID-19 surge
02 January, 2021
South Korea will expand a ban on exclusive gatherings bigger than four people to add the whole region, and extend unprecedented social distancing rules found in Seoul and neighbouring areas until Jan. 17, medical minister stated on Saturday (Jan 2).
Kwon Deok-cheol told a briefing that the measures were essential to reduce an extended surge in infections which has led to a spike found in deaths.
The united states reported 824 new cases by midnight on Friday, straight down from 1,029 a day before, a drop that officials said was likely because of less testing over the brand new Year holiday.
Around 40 per cent of recent cases have already been linked to small gatherings, Kwon said. The ban on such gatherings had been imposed in Seoul and neighbouring areas prior to the Christmas holiday and have been because of expire on Sunday.
The country also offers restrictions on churches, restaurants, cafes, ski resorts, and other venues.
Kwon apologised to citizens for having to keep up with the rules, but thanked them because of their "solidarity and cooperation."
Given plans to get started vaccinations in February, the next few months could be the "last hurdle", he said.
After initial success in subduing earlier waves of infections, South Korea has struggled to lessen this latest and major surge, with daily cases hovering around 1,000 for weeks.
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