South Korea reported fewer than 200 COVID-19
cases on Sunday... for a fourth straight day.
In recent weeks, it had seen as many as 400,
so it's an encouraging sign.
But the health authorities are still on alert.
Yoon Jung-min reports.
South Korea reported 167 new cases of COVID-19
on Sunday,... the fourth day in a row there
have been fewer than 200.
But the authorities are still on alert because
cluster infections continue in the capital
Seoul and the surrounding areas,... and over
20 percent of the cases have an unknown route
of infection.
Of the new local transmissions,... 63 were
reported in Seoul, 45 in Gyeonggi-do Province
and nine in Incheon.
"The smaller number of cases seems to be an
effect of the Level 2 social distancing in
the capital area since August 16th, and nationwide
distancing Level 2 since August 23rd."
The total number of patients in critical condition
has increased to 163,... the highest number
at any point in the local outbreak so far.
With the growing number of patients who are
gravely ill, the metropolitan area is running
out of intensive care units.
The KCDC said, as of Saturday, there were
only four ICUs left in Seoul still available
for immediate use,... while none were available
in Gyeonggi-do Province or Incheon.
The government on Sunday urged people not
to travel during the upcoming Chuseok holiday,
and said it will take extra quarantine measures
during the holiday period.
In the meantime, South Korea has extended
its enhanced 'Level 2.5' social distancing
in the capital area for another week until
September 13th.
In addition to franchise coffee shops,...
eating and drinking are banned inside franchise
bakeries and ice cream shops.
Only virtual services are allowed at churches
in the capital area and some other cities.
As for other regions, they should abide by
Level 2 social distancing rules until September
20th.
Yoon Jung-min, Arirang News.
