SEOUL, KOMPAS.com – South Korea reports the number of cases daily corona virus highest since early March on Sunday (23/8/2020).
Authorities later warned the country was “on the brink of a national pandemic” and tightened social distancing rules.
The majority of the 397 new infections are in Seoul, which has half of the country’s 51 million people, according to data from the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC). AFP.
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Authorities then warned residents to implement stricter social distancing, which would include closing schools and businesses if there were any cases Covid-19 continues to grow rapidly.
In fact, previously the country led by President Moon Jae-in had managed to control the outbreak.
“The situation is very urgent and serious because we are on the verge of a national pandemic,” said KCDC head Jung Eun-kyeong. AFP Sunday (23/8/2020).
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“Please stay home if possible,” Jung said, adding that the number of cases had not yet reached a peak.
Anticipation of the spread of the virus was tightened in Seoul last week, and will be extended to the rest of the country today.
The rules include restrictions on large gatherings such as religious activities and the closure of nightclubs, karaoke bars and internet cafes.
All beaches have also been closed.
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The Seoul Metropolitan Government on Sunday explained that face masks will be required to be worn indoors and outdoors in the capital from midnight tonight.
In total, South Korea reported 17,399 cases of Covid-19 with 309 deaths.
The country, known for its dramas and K-Pop music, had the worst impact outside China, at the start of the outbreak.
But they managed to control it by incessantly carrying out tracking and testing, even though it never went into lockdown like in other countries.
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Therefore Carousel was seen as a model for how to fight the pandemic, with the example of a large proportion of the population adhering to health and safety rules such as wearing masks.
South Korea even allowed spectators to come to see a limited sports match in July.
However, since last week the rule was lifted in Seoul and banned again nationally starting today.
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