Infections in South Korea at highest level since March

SOUTH Korea yesterday reported 103 new virus cases, one of its biggest daily jumps in months, as officials expressed concerned that infections were getting out of control in cities.

Eighty-three of the new cases were from the Seoul area, while infections were also reported in the major cities of Busan, Gwangju and Ulsan. The rise was driven by domestic transmissions, at their highest level since March 31.

Lee Jae-myung, the governor of Gyeonggi province near Seoul, ordered its 15,779 religious facilities, mostly Christian churches, to shut for two weeks to slow the spread of the virus.

Churches have emerged as major sources of infection after many failed to require worshippers to wear masks, or allowed them to sing or eat together.

Chung Sye-kyun, the prime minister, said social distancing measures could be elevated if transmissions continued to rise. That may include bans on large gatherings, shutting “highrisk” facilities such as karaoke bars and banning spectators at sports stadiums.

South Korea now has 14,873 cases, including 305 deaths.