코로나 신규확진 146명…지자체 속속 1.5단계 격상<br /><br />South Korea reported 146 new COVID-19 infections on Wednesday, keeping the daily tally in the triple digits for the fourth straight day.<br />And the recent increase in cases has led some cities to raise their social distancing level to one-point-five.<br />Choi Jeong-yoon has more.<br />South Korea has reported 146 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday...seeing daily infections surpass the one-hundred mark for the eighth time in eleven days.<br />Of Wednesday's reported cases, 113 were local transmissions, and 33 came from overseas.<br />Cluster infections continue nationwide, not only from hospitals and care facilities in the greater capital area but also from small gatherings and public facilities such as subway stations and cafes.<br />A rise in cases in the southwest of the country has led Suncheon city in Jeollanam-do Province to raise its social distancing level to one-point-five on Wednesday, following Cheonan and Asan in Chungcheongnam-do Province and Wonju in Gangwon-do Province the day before.<br />"I want to ask earnestly that the standard for distancing level adjustment, which is over a hundred daily cases on average does not mean that if there are under 100 patients, it is safe. The crisis is ongoing, and the COVID-19 virus can explode at any time if we let our guard down."<br />Health authorities are closely watching the situation, considering possibly raising the distancing level in central regions, if current up-trend continues for two more weeks.<br />Under Level 1.5, there will be limits on the size of gatherings and worshippers... and sports events are restricted to 30 percent capacity.<br />"High risk facilities under level 1.5 will only open at limited times or with pre-reservations. Under level 2, half of the total capacity will be allowed in, and they won't be allowed to eat indoors."<br />Meanwhile, starting Wednesday, anyone flying to China from Korea, regardless of nationality, is required to hand in two sets of results confirming they have tested negative for COVID-19.<br />Both tests should be done within 48 hours of the flight's departure,... and at two different facilities from a list of medical centers provided by the Chinese embassy.<br />Choi Jeong-yoon, Arirang News.<br />
