수도권 거리두기 2단계 격상... 코로나19 어제 330명 신규확진, 닷새 연속 300명대<br /><br />The health authorities in South Korea have decided to raise the level of social distancing across the country due to a surge in cases of COVID-19 over the past week.<br />There have been more than 300 for each of the last five days, so the government announced for stronger social distancing measures starting Tuesday.<br />Our Kim Bo-kyoung reports.<br />On Sunday, South Korea reported 3-hundred-30 new cases of COVID-19,... and for the first time,... the number was over 3-hundred for a fifth straight day.<br />Most were in the greater capital area with 219 in Seoul, Gyeonggi-do Province and Incheon.<br />The surge is due to small cluster infections across the country at schools, hospitals and small gatherings which are especially hard for the health authorities to monitor.<br />New cases are averaging 175 per day in the capital area and 15 in Gangwon-do Province.<br />Both regions are on social distancing level 1-point-5, but the average is getting closer to 200, which would trigger level two.<br />The average of new cases nationwide for the past week is 2-hundred-73,... which is getting closer to the level-two threshold of 3-hundred.<br />Therefore, the South Korean government has decided to take preemptive measures and raise the social distancing to level two starting Tuesday the 24th for the capital region and level 1-point-5 for both Jeollanamdo and Jeollabuk-do Provinces.<br />"Considering this trend, the capital area will reach the threshold for level 2 an average two-hundred new cases per day by Tuesday and 1-point-5 for both Jeollanamdo and Jeollabuk-do Provinces. Given the seriousness of the situation and the time we need for preparation, we don't have to wait until the criteria are met."<br />Other areas, such as Suncheon City in Jeollanam-do Province and Hadong-gun in Gyeongsangnam-do Province, have already raised their levels to two, but the spread is not slowing down.<br />Jeollabuk-do Province has also announced that it's going to level 1-point-5 starting Monday due to cluster infections linked to Wonkang University Hospital.<br />With social distancing raised to level two,... some high-risk facilities including clubs and bars will be closed.<br />Cafes will only offer take out and delivery,... and the same for restaurants after 9 PM.<br />Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News.<br />
