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South Korea is extending its social distancing rules by 2 weeks until January 31, the country’s health ministry said in a press release on Saturday.
The ban on gatherings of five or more people will also remain in place until the end of January, the ministry added.
The Seoul metropolitan area has been at social distancing level 2.5, the second highest level, since early December, while the rest of the country is at level 2, the third highest level.
Under existing rules, dining in restaurants in Seoul and surrounding areas is prohibited after 9 p.m. Spectators are also prohibited during sporting events.
These social distancing measures were due to expire on Sunday. But as the number of new daily cases declines, the health ministry said the danger of a resurgence remains.
Health Minister Kwon Deok-cheol said the government will review social distancing levels once daily cases drop to 400.
South Korea case: The country reported 547 local infections and 33 imported infections on Friday, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency said in a press release on Saturday. This brings the total number of cases reported by South Korea to 71,820.
Another 19 patients died, bringing the total number of deaths to 1,236.
The health ministry has designated the first half of February as a special quarantine period in anticipation of increased traffic during the Lunar New Year festival next month.
Intercity trains will only be able to occupy 50% of the seats, while visits to healthcare establishments will be prohibited.
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