SEOUL, South Korea — Following a rapid vaccination programme, authorities eased restrictions last month to help boost the Covid-hit economy, removing limits on how long businesses could stay open.
But new daily infections have more than trebled since then, with a record 7,850 cases reported on Wednesday, and authorities have warned that figure could rise to as many as 20,000 next month. “We will be able to overcome this critical moment only if we quickly bring the spread under control through strong social distancing measures,” Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum said Thursday as he announced the fresh curbs.
Under the new rules, which come into effect Saturday for an initial two weeks, restaurants, cafe and other nightlife venues will have to close at 9 pm, while other public places such as cinemas and concert halls will be allowed to operate until 10 pm.The government has urged those eligible for booster jabs to get them as soon as possible, warning about the pressure building on the country’s healthcare system.