580 COVID-19 Cases Confirmed... Social Distancing Maintained Until the 31st (Comprehensive)

On the 15th, when 513 new cases of COVID-19 were reported, maintaining the number in the 500s for the fourth consecutive day, the screening clinic set up at Seoul Station Plaza appeared quiet. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] On the 16th, 580 new COVID-19 cases were reported. This marks five consecutive days with cases in the 500s. Social distancing measures have been extended for two more weeks, maintaining 'Level 2.5 in the Seoul metropolitan area and Level 2 in non-metropolitan areas' until the 31st.

The Central Disease Control Headquarters announced that as of midnight, there were 547 new domestic COVID-19 cases and 33 imported cases. Accordingly, the total cumulative domestic COVID-19 cases reached 71,820. The death toll increased by 19, bringing the total to 1,236.

Among the new domestic cases, 341 were from the Seoul metropolitan area: 148 in Seoul, 163 in Gyeonggi, and 30 in Incheon.

In non-metropolitan areas, cases were reported as follows: 59 in Busan, 23 in Daegu, 22 in Gangwon, 19 in Gyeongbuk, 17 in Jeonbuk, 15 in Gyeongnam, 13 in Jeonnam, 8 each in Ulsan and Chungnam, 6 each in Gwangju and Chungbuk, 5 in Daejeon, 4 in Jeju, and 1 in Sejong.

Of the 33 imported cases, 8 were detected during quarantine, and 25 were confirmed while in community isolation.

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun chaired a Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) meeting at the Government Seoul Office this morning and announced the social distancing adjustment policy.

Prime Minister Chung announced the extension of the current social distancing levels (Level 2.5 in the Seoul metropolitan area and Level 2 in non-metropolitan areas) for two weeks, maintaining the ban on gatherings of five or more people and the business restrictions after 9 p.m.

He stated, "On the other hand, multi-use facilities such as health clubs, academies, and karaoke rooms, which had to be closed, will resume operations under strict quarantine guidelines," and added, "Places like cafes and religious facilities, where many felt the quarantine standards were excessive, will be reasonably adjusted."