South Korea is extending its social distance rules by 2 weeks until January 31, the country’s health ministry said in a press release on Saturday.
The ban on meetings of five or more people will also remain in effect until the end of January, the ministry added.
The Seoul metropolitan area was below the social distancing level of 2.5, the second highest level since early December, while the rest of the country was at level 2, the third highest level.
According to existing rules, meals at restaurants in Seoul and the surrounding area are prohibited after 21:00. Spectators are also forbidden at sporting events.
These social distancing measures were due to expire on Sunday. But while the number of new daily cases is declining, the Ministry of Health said the danger of a recurrence remains.
Health Minister Kwon Deok-cheol said the government would review the level of social distancing once the number of daily cases dropped to 400.
The cases of South Korea: The country reported 547 local infections and 33 imported infections on Friday, the Korean Disease Control and Prevention Agency said on Saturday. This brings the total number of cases reported in South Korea to 71,820.
Another 19 patients died, bringing the total number of deaths to 1,236.
The Ministry of Health has designated the first half of February as a special quarantine period, pending increased traffic during the monthly New Year’s festival next month.
Intercity trains will only be allowed to occupy 50% of the seats, while visits to healthcare facilities will be banned.