SEOUL: South Korea reported the lowest daily number of new coronavirus cases since late November as the government slightly eased social distancing restrictions in the face of growing criticism from businesses impacted by the rules.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) reported 289 additional cases as of midnight on Sunday, with the every day tally falling below 300 for the first time since Nov 23.
In the latest months, South Korea has been battling its largest and most persistent wave of infections, with everyday cases peaking at more than 1,200 over the Christmas vacation.
Despite the drop in cases since then, authorities have been hesitant to ease unprecedented social distancing restrictions ahead of the Lunar New Yr vacation from Feb 11, when tens of millions of Koreans normally travel across the nation to family gatherings.
South Korea on Saturday eased curfews on more than half a million restaurants and other businesses outside the capital Seoul, letting them stay open an hour later, amid a public backlash over tight curbs to contain COVID-19.
Guidelines stay stricter within the capital Seoul and surrounding areas, where more than 70 percent of infections are concentrated.
In late January, authorities extended social distancing curbs till Feb 14 – including a ban on private gatherings larger than 4 individuals – and known as on residents to stay home during the long holiday.
