신규확진 156명, 1주일째 100명대 유지속 소폭 증가… 소규모 집단 감염 지속<br /><br />The COVID-19 situation in South Korea is our starting point this lunchtime.<br />Despite a slight uptick on Wednesday, the number of new cases remains on a downward trend.<br />Officials are still warning the public to take the necessary measures to prevent another upswing in cases.<br />Han Seong-woo reports.<br />South Korea reported 156 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, a slight increase from the 136 cases added the day before.<br />However, infections have remained below the 200 mark for a week now, showing an overall downward trend.<br />Of the infections reported Wednesday, 144 were transmitted locally,… mostly concentrated in the greater Seoul area.<br />The other 12 were from overseas.<br />Health officials say the capital region's level 2-point-5 social distancing measures may be lifted if quarantine efforts are well adhered to.<br />"There will be no need to extend the strengthened measures if we can concentrate on social distancing for five more days until the end of the week."<br />But sporadic cluster infections are still popping up across the nation, including at a Hyundai Heavy Industries shipyard, a call center, religious facilities and a sauna.<br />Those are on top of infections stemming from last month's protest at Seoul's Gwanghwamun Square.<br />Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun on Wednesday warned certain civic groups against holding planned mass rallies on October third, South Korea's National Foundation Day.<br />"The government will not hesitate to take action against those who hamper virus prevention efforts and threaten the safety of our society."<br />With Wednesday's tally, the national caseload is nearly 21-thousand-600.<br />The number of people in critical condition has increased to 154.<br />Three more people have died, raising the death toll to 344.<br />Han Seong-woo, Arirang News.<br /><br />
