We begin with the COVID-19 situation here
in South Korea.
The country saw 248 new cases on Monday, more
than 95% of which were transmitted locally.
With cases from unknown transmission routes
increasing and the social distancing level
tightened, health authorities are asking people
to stay home.
Choi Jeong-yoon reports.
South Korea reported 2-hundred-48 new COVID-19
cases on Monday bringing the total to almost
20-thousand.
Out of 2-hundred-38 local transmissions, most
cases were reported around the capital area
with 91 cases in Seoul, 79 in the surrounding
Gyeonggi-do Province, and 13 in the city of
Incheon.
The number has dropped back below 200 for
the second day in a row, but the daily tally
has remained in the triple digits for more
than two weeks now.
"Another big wave of infections is possible
with continuing transmissions nationwide.
With the number of patients in critical condition,
74 today, doubling compared to last week...
the situation is serious and we can't loosen
up."
With tighter social distancing measures brought
in last Sunday, South Korea's health minister
said... that this week will be the watershed
for containing the virus and urged people
to stay home.
"Strengthened social distancing is complete
when central and local governments and every
single individual citizen participate. Anyone
can contract the virus at any time. So stay
home and minimize contact as much as possible
this week."
He also stressed the danger of unclear transmission
routes.
The number of cases with unclear routes has
risen by 25 percent over the past week.
With more than 42-thousand people from the
Sarang Jaeil Church and August 15th rally
not responding to calls to get tested... health
authorities say the risk of transmission through
unclear routes is getting higher.
Choi Jeong-yoon, Arirang News.
