More than 500 new coronavirus cases have been reported in South Korea for a second consecutive day as health authorities battle to contain cluster infections and fend off a third wave of the pandemic.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on Friday said 569 cases were confirmed in the last 24 hours, including 525 local infections, as well as another virus-related death.

According to data, 64 percent of the latest domestic cases were from the capital region, home to half of the country's population.

Seoul alone identified 204 newly infected patients.

Despite the implementation of Level 2 social distancing rules in the greater Seoul area this week, and other cities taking similar action, authorities warned the upward trend of virus cases is likely to continue for a while, as they expect the effects of tightened distancing in major regions to appear starting next week.

The country has recorded a total of 32,887 cases overall and 516 deaths due to COVID-19.

Please send comments to tbsefmnews@gmail.com
copyright © tbs. Unauthorized redistribution prohibited.