2000 Cases Recorded for Second Consecutive Day... Government Extends Social Distancing for 2 Weeks

Published 20 Aug.2021 10:44(KST)

Amid the unrelenting spread of COVID-19, medical staff at the Jung-gu temporary screening clinic set up in Seoul Station Plaza on the 20th, where the government decided to extend the current social distancing measures for two more weeks, are looking through the window at citizens waiting for tests. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

Medical staff are putting on protective clothing at the Jung-gu temporary screening clinic set up in Seoul Station Plaza. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

On the 20th, when the number of new domestic COVID-19 cases reached the 2,000 range, the temporary screening clinic at Seoul Station Plaza was crowded with citizens seeking tests. The Central Disease Control Headquarters announced that as of midnight that day, 2,052 new cases were confirmed, bringing the total to 232,859. This marks the second consecutive day with over 2,000 new cases. Among the new cases, 2,001 were locally transmitted and 51 were imported.

In response to the ongoing spread, the government decided to extend the current 'social distancing' measures (Level 4 in the metropolitan area, Level 3 in non-metropolitan areas) and restrictions on private gatherings for two more weeks until the 5th of next month. Additionally, operating hours for restaurants and cafes in Level 4 areas such as the metropolitan region will be shortened by one hour, from 10 PM to 9 PM. However, incentives were partially reinstated for those who have completed vaccination, exempting them from the private gathering limit of fewer than five people when using restaurants and cafes.