The southwestern city of Gwangju will soon allow private social gatherings of up to eight people amid a local drop in new coronavirus infections.

Mayor Lee Yong-seop announced in a press briefing that starting from Friday, the city will relax the ban on gatherings of five or more people in response to the recent slowdown in community spread.

He noted that COVID-19 restrictions have taken a toll on small business owners.

But Lee called on residents to continue to practice social distancing and follow quarantine rules, reminding that violators will be sternly punished.

Officials in other regions, including Gangwon and North Gyeongsang provinces, have also indicated they are considering loosening up on the nationwide gathering ban before a revamped distancing scheme takes effect in early July.