Fear of a second wave of coronavirus forces Seoul to close bars and nightclubs.
"Lack of care could lead to an explosion of infections," said Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon.
Sputnik - Due to fears of a new coronavirus outbreak after new COVID-19 cases were reported, the South Korean capital, Seoul, ordered the closure of bars and nightclubs on Saturday (9).
At the same time, South Korean President Moon Jae-in urged the population to remain vigilant. The Asian country, which adopted a strategy of mass testing to contain the coronavirus epidemic, is seen as an example in the fight against the disease.
The decision was made following a new outbreak of infections in Itaewon, one of Seoul's busiest nightlife districts.
More than 10 cases have been linked to a 29-year-old man who tested positive for COVID-19 and had been to clubs and bars in the area last weekend.
According to the country's health authorities, approximately 7.200 people were in the places frequented by the man.
"Lack of care could lead to an explosion of infections," said Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon, according to AFP.
Highest number of cases since April 9th.
He asked all those who had been in the designated locations to come forward voluntarily. The security measures come as life in South Korea gradually returns to normal, with the relaxation of social distancing rules.
According to the South Korean government's announcement on Sunday (10), 34 new cases of COVID-19 were registered in the country in the last 24 hours, with 26 being local transmissions of the virus and eight imported cases. Of the 26 domestic cases, 14 were reported in Seoul.
This is the highest number of new cases in South Korea since April 9th. For the past 10 days, domestic cases have been zero or less than 10.
"It's only over when it's over. We will maintain a high level of alert until the end; we must never lower our guard regarding epidemic prevention," the South Korean president said in a national address on Sunday.
According to the Johns Hopkins University virtual map, South Korea has nearly 11 cases of the coronavirus and 256 deaths.