South Korea, Japan report record new coronavirus cases

South Korea’s latest figure of 1,030 Covid-19 cases breaks Saturday’s record of 950, as a tightening of restrictions appears inevitable amid a third wave

Japan on Sunday reported over 3,000 cases for the first time as officials delay stricter measures for fear of hurting the economy ahead of the holiday season

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A woman arrives at a health care centre in Seoul to take a coronavirus test, as South Korea battles a fresh outbreak in cases. Photo: Kyodo

Published: 11:10am, 13 Dec 2020Updated: 4:51am, 15 Dec 2020

South Korea reported 1,030 new coronavirus infections on Sunday, the second daily record in a row as the country which had initial success controlling Covid-19 now battles a harsh third wave.

Of the new cases, 1,002 were locally transmitted, with 70 per cent from the greater Seoul area – bringing the total to 42,766 infections with 580 deaths, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency said.

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun on Saturday said tightening social distancing restrictions to the nation’s highest level would be inevitable if the spread continues. This would essentially mean a lockdown for the first time in Asia’s fourth-largest economy.

South Korea was praised for its early success in containing the virus without a lockdown by relying heavily on contact-tracing and testing since the country’s first case was confirmed in January.

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Coronavirus: South Korea's third Covid-19 wave sees record high cases

On Saturday, South Korea reported 950 new infections, prompting President Moon Jae-in to order the mobilisation of police, military personnel and public medical doctors to block the spread, which he called an “emergency”.

The country in November modified its social-distancing measures with a five-tier system that intensifies restrictions according to the severity of the outbreak. Level 3 indicates an “extreme” spike in locally transmitted infections that could spark a large-scale, nationwide outbreak, or when daily cases reach 800 or more. As of Sunday, Greater Seoul was under level 2.5 restrictions.

Under Level 3 restrictions, gatherings of 10 people or more are prohibited, including all sporting events, while schools can only offer online classes. People are advised to stay at home as much as possible, and companies are required to have non-essential employees work from home. There are no travel restrictions, although foreign visitors are required to be quarantined for 14 days unless they are exempt under cross-border agreements.

Record cases in Japan

Japan’s daily coronavirus cases exceeded 3,000 for the first time while the government delayed stricter measures for fear of hurting the economy ahead of the holiday season.