코로나19 신규확진자 191명 ... 9월 초 이후 최다
Our starting point tonight: South Korea has reported its biggest daily jump in Covid-19 cases in 70 days as the government began fining people who fail to wear masks in public today.
With the daily at 191 today, authorities here are also reviewing raising the social distancing level nationwide.
First, here's our Min Suk-hyen.
South Korea reported 191 new COVID-19 cases on Friday...the highest number since September 4th.
Of the latest cases, 162 were locally transmitted and 29 were from overseas.
This now brings the total number of coronavirus infections in the country to 28-thousand-133.
One more death was reported, raising the death toll to 488.
The recent uptick in cases comes mostly from public spaces such as nursing homes, long-term care facilities, workplaces and small social gatherings.
In Gangwon-do Province, more than 20 schools switched to remote learning after one principal and three vice-principals tested positive for COVID-19.
At an Air Force base in Seosan, Chungcheongnam-do Province, eight, including seven soldiers and one civilian employee, were also diagnosed with the virus.
Health authorities are now on high alert and are even considering tightening social distancing measures.
"If cases continue to increase, we may have to seriously consider raising the social distance measures. Already, Asan, Cheonan, Wonju and Suncheon have raised their measures to Level 1-point-5. We should remember that it's not time to be complacent." Daily new coronavirus cases are also hitting new records across the globe.
According to broadcaster NHK, Japan confirmed 1-thousand-634 new infections on Thursday, its biggest daily tally so far.
The U.K. also reported its highest daily total of 33-thousand-470...and in France there are more than 32-thousand COVID-19 patients in hospital.
Globally, the total number of cases worldwide has surpassed 50 million as countries continue to hit new record highs.
Min Suk-hyen, Arirang News.
