South Korea reviews report virus surge on Christmas Day

South Korea reported its highest each day variety of coronavirus circumstances on Friday, because the nation’s Christmas celebrations have been marred by a harsh third wave of COVID-19.

The nation has been held up as a mannequin of learn how to fight the virus, with the general public largely following official pointers, however Friday noticed a report 1,241 new infections.

“We strongly suggest and request that you simply cancel your whole conferences and gatherings, even along with your shut relations,” stated Yoon Tae-ho of Central Catastrophe Administration Headquarters.

Seventy p.c of the contemporary circumstances got here from the higher Seoul space, house to half the nation’s 52 million folks.

In an try and include the rising an infection numbers, from Wednesday non-public social gatherings of greater than 4 folks within the higher Seoul space have been banned till January 3 by officers.

Church buildings have switched to on-line plenty or small-scale companies, and ski resorts and nationwide parks have been shut down nationwide.

At Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul, one of many greatest Protestant church buildings in South Korea, solely about 15 workers, choir members and a pastor—all masked—attended its Christmas service, which was broadcast on-line.

“Usually our church venue can home as much as 12,000 folks,” Park Jae-woo, a member of the church, instructed AFP, describing not having the ability to have fun in individual with others as “heartbreaking”.

“However we totally perceive that social distancing guidelines are crucial to guard lives.”

Solely 15 Catholic believers have been allowed to attend Christmas mass at Myeongdong Cathedral in central Seoul, they usually needed to make a reservation prematurely to participate.

Those that could not get a spot have been seen praying exterior the cathedral, carrying masks, in entrance of the statue of the Virgin Mary.

South Korea has been increasing its mass testing programme—offering exams without cost within the higher Seoul space till January 3—and greater than 118,000 exams have been carried out on Thursday alone, authorities stated.

New circumstances have additionally emerged from numerous venues and communities in current weeks, together with long-term care amenities, a jail, military items, church buildings and faculties, whereas hospitals within the capital space have been battling ICU mattress shortages.

© 2020 AFP