After the highest daily increase in new coronavirus infections in South Korea for almost six months, the authorities are considering tightening the rules to avoid social contact further. Yesterday, the number of cases recorded daily exceeded 400 for the first time since the beginning of March.
The total number of infections increased by 441 to 18,706, the Centers for Health Control and Prevention announced today. So far, 313 fatalities have been reported in connection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The daily increase has been in the three-digit range for two weeks. The capital Seoul and the surrounding region were hit particularly hard.
New cases especially in the metropolitan area
More than 300 of the new cases were reported to be in the metropolitan area. However, the corona virus is also spreading faster and faster from the region around Seoul to other parts of the country. Parliamentary operations in the capital had to be suspended for the time being.
„The government recognizes the gravity of the situation and is considering all options,“ said Yoon Tae Ho from the Ministry of Health. This also includes tightening the measures to the highest level, which comes close to a lockdown. Gatherings of more than ten people are prohibited. All schools and most public institutions will be closed.
The authorities are becoming increasingly concerned about local clusters of cases. In connection with the Sarang Jeil Church in the north of Seoul, the virus has been detected in 955 members since the beginning of the month. All churches in the greater Seoul area are only allowed to stream services on the Internet.
