Authorities and health officials are bracing for a spike in new coronavirus cases as tens of millions of people are expected to travel across the country to celebrate Chuseok.

Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum expressed his concern Friday over a potential post-holiday surge in new cases, spreading from the capital region to non-metro areas.

In an interagency meeting, he pointed out that around 80 percent of all infections confirmed in the last few days were from the Seoul metro area that includes Incheon and Gyeonggi Province.

The prime minister stressed we should not forget even for a moment that the fight against the pandemic continues.

He also urged people to get tested if they feel symptoms during the five-day holiday, saying health centers and screening sites will remain open.

On vaccinations, he said the government’s goal of 70 percent of the population receiving their first dose will be achieved later today.