S. Korea reports fewer than 400 new COVID-19 cases for first time in nearly two months; new social distancing measures in place from Monday
54일만에 첫 300명대…오늘부터 카페서 커피 가능,헬스장-노래방 문열고 에어로빅 금지
South Korea’s daily virus cases have fallen into the 300 range for the first time in 54 days.
Due to the drop in cases, health officials have partially eased social distancing guidelines.
While the ban on gatherings of five or more remains in place… facilities that were asked to temporarily close can now reopen.
Min Suk-hyen has more.
South Korea reported 389 new COVID-19 cases on Monday the first day with fewer than 400 infections in nearly two months.
Of them, 366 were locally transmitted and 23 were from overseas.
This brings the country’s total cases to over 72-thousand.
The downward trend in cases has been attributed to tougher social distancing measures and mass virus testing.
Amid the slowdown, health authorities have decided to ease restrictions.
Starting today, stores are resuming their businesses in line with the country’s eased measures.
People can now dine-in at coffee shops until 9 PM, but they must wear face masks at all times except when eating or drinking.
Those who refuse to do so … can be fined a hundred thousand won or about 90 U.S. dollars.
Gyms, singing rooms, and cram schools in the greater Seoul area will also be allowed to run their businesses under limited capacity.
No more than 1 person is permitted in an eight-square-meter indoor space… and these businesses are also required to close at 9 PM.
Group fitness classes like aerobics and Zumba, however, remain closed.
Churches and temples can also hold services, but only at ten percent of capacity in Seoul and its surrounding areas … and 20 percent in other parts of the country.
The current Level 2-point-5 social distancing guidelines for the greater Seoul area and Level 2 guidelines for the rest of the country will be in effect until the end of this month.
Min Suk-hyen, Arirang News.
#COVID19 #infection #SouthKorea
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2021-01-18, 12:00 (KST)