Seoul: highest number of Covid-19 cases since December

The capital extends social distancing rules for another week and could become more stringent if the situation does not come under control. According to health authorities, the virus is mainly circulating among young people who have not yet been vaccinated. Thirty percent of the population has received at least one dose.

Seoul (AsiaNews/Agencies) - A fourth wave of coronavirus is feared in South Korea: today 1,212 new cases of Covid-19 were counted, the highest number since that recorded on December 25 (1,240) when the country was in the middle of the third wave. This was reported by Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum, explaining that the virus is circulating mainly among those in their 20s and 30s who have not yet been vaccinated.

Health authorities have decided to extend current rules on social distancing in the Seoul area for another week, but warned that stricter restrictions could be in place if the situation does not come back under control. At the moment, gatherings of more than five people are prohibited, and there is a 10 p.m. curfew for restaurants.

Most of the new infections have occurred in the capital and surrounding areas, especially in large companies and schools. By the end of the week, health authorities will visit businesses with more than 50 employees to perform blanket swabs.

Just over 30 percent of the population has received a dose of vaccine, while 5.4 million people, or 10.6 percent of South Koreans, have been fully vaccinated.

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