코로나 19 어제 248명 신규확진...박능후 "최대한 집에 머물러 달라"
We begin with the COVID-19 situation here in South Korea.
The country saw 248 new cases on Monday, more than 95% of which were transmitted locally.
With cases from unknown transmission routes increasing and the social distancing level tightened, health authorities are asking people to stay home.
Choi Jeong-yoon reports.
South Korea reported 2-hundred-48 new COVID-19 cases on Monday bringing the total to almost 20-thousand.
Out of 2-hundred-38 local transmissions, most cases were reported around the capital area with 91 cases in Seoul, 79 in the surrounding Gyeonggi-do Province, and 13 in the city of Incheon.
The number has dropped back below 200 for the second day in a row, but the daily tally has remained in the triple digits for more than two weeks now.
"Another big wave of infections is possible with continuing transmissions nationwide. With the number of patients in critical condition, 74 today, doubling compared to last week... the situation is serious and we can't loosen up."
With tighter social distancing measures brought in last Sunday, South Korea's health minister said... that this week will be the watershed for containing the virus and urged people to stay home.
"Strengthened social distancing is complete when central and local governments and every single individual citizen participate. Anyone can contract the virus at any time. So stay home and minimize contact as much as possible this week."
He also stressed the danger of unclear transmission routes.
The number of cases with unclear routes has risen by 25 percent over the past week.
With more than 42-thousand people from the Sarang Jaeil Church and August 15th rally not responding to calls to get tested... health authorities say the risk of transmission through unclear routes is getting higher.
Choi Jeong-yoon, Arirang News.
