'Daejeon under Level 4 Social Distancing, 44 Confirmed Cases by 6 PM'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Eun-mo] The COVID-19 infection rate in Daejeon, which is under Level 4 social distancing, is showing little sign of easing.

Daejeon City announced that as of 6 PM on the 6th, a total of 44 new cases have been confirmed.

A pastor at a church in Samsung-dong, Dong-gu tested positive, bringing the cumulative number of cases from the chain infection that started on the 2nd to five. Health authorities are focusing on the possibility of infection within the church and are conducting an epidemiological investigation. Three new cases were confirmed related to the cluster infection at the Hankook Tire Geumsan factory, increasing the total confirmed cases to 75. Additionally, two more people in Daejeon tested positive in connection with the cluster infection at a nursing home in Nonsan, Chungnam.

Despite raising social distancing to Level 4 on the 27th of last month and limiting private gatherings to two people after 6 PM, a total of 705 people have been confirmed positive over the ten days up to the 5th, averaging 70.5 cases per day.

As the infection rate continues, the city will extend the Level 4 social distancing, which was scheduled to be in effect until the 8th, for an additional 14 days until the 22nd.

The restrictions on the number of people in private gatherings and facility operating hours will remain the same. However, in addition to the previously banned entertainment venues such as nightclubs, karaoke bars, and holdem pubs, singing practice rooms (noraebang) have also been added to the list of prohibited gathering places. Noraebang, which were allowed to operate until 10 PM, are now banned from operating 24 hours.

To facilitate COVID-19 testing, a temporary screening clinic will be additionally set up and operated at the City Hall South Gate Plaza in Dunsan-dong, Seo-gu, which is easily accessible, starting from the 9th.

Earlier, to minimize citizen movement, the city reduced public transportation operations, including city buses and subways, by half after 10 PM on the 5th.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.