비수도권 거리두기 2단계 27일까지 연장... 추석연휴 귀성객 30% 감소 전망<br /><br />Our top story this morning.<br />South Korea saw new COVID-19 cases dip below 100 on Sunday for the first time in over a month, but the nation has decided to extend its social distancing level two nationwide for another week, amid concerns on another surge in cases ahead of the Chuseok holidays. <br />Our Choi Won-jong starts us off..<br /> <br />South Korea has extended the strengthened social distancing guidelines nationwide to include provinces outside the greater Seoul area <br />The health authorities announced Sunday that the level 2 social distancing guidelines will be imposed across the nation until next Sunday-- 27th. <br /><br />"Considering the fact that the Chuseok holiday is approaching in a week,... easing distancing measures will only cause chaos and increase the possibility of an outbreak."<br /><br />This decision came after the nation continued to see untraceable cases and cluster infections reported outside the metropolitan area,... potentially leading to a rise in cases in the provinces. <br />Under the level 2 social distancing imposed, the operation of high-risk facilities such as singing rooms and bars will be banned. <br />No spectators will be allowed into sports stadiums.<br />Churches will be operating online only,... meaning no face to face services. <br />Public facilities like museums and libraries will also be closed for another week. <br />During the upcoming Chuseok holiday, the number of visitors to their hometowns is expected to drop by nearly 30-percent compared to last year. <br />However, the health authorities still expressed some major concerns regarding a potential surge in cases,... which is why no eating and drinking will be allowed at expressway rest stops nationwide during this year's holiday season. <br />The rest areas will be offering only take-out services from food stands. <br />The government also said that it would impose a 'special quarantine period' nationwide, starting from September 28th to October 11th.<br />Choi Won-jong, Arirang News. <br />
