South Korea's COVID-19 cases at 3-week low, below 200 for fourth day
06 September, 2020
South Korea on Sunday (Sep 6) reported the tiniest rise in coronavirus infections in three weeks, remaining under 200 for a fourth consecutive day as tighter restrictions cap a second wave.
The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 167 cases of the brand new coronavirus for the 24 hours through midnight Saturday, down from 168 the prior day.
That brings the country's total infections to 21,177 with 334 COVID-19 deaths. Success in crushing early outbreaks was partially reversed after a wave infections among members of a church spread if they attended a political rally in mid-August.
Daily infections have hovered below 200 for four days after peaking at 441 in late August, as tougher social distancing curbs took effect.
The measures have included unprecedented restrictions on eateries in the Seoul area, where the spread is targeted, banning onsite dining after 9pm and limiting coffee and bakery franchises to takeout and delivery all day.
The federal government on Friday extended the curbs until Sep 13, saying more time is required to induce sharper drops in new infections.
South Korea's efforts have been complicated by a strike of 16,000 interns and resident doctors who oppose the government's plans to reform the medical sector to raised handle future epidemics.
The country's top medical body decided on Friday with the government to end the walkout, only to face an immediate backlash from trainee doctors who rejected the deal and continued the strike.
The trainee physicians are likely to return to focus on Monday, Yonhap news agency reported on Sunday.
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