Advertisement

South Korea sees spike of 34 new coronavirus cases after outbreak involving nightclubs

Click to play video: 'Lessons from South Korea for fighting COVID-19 pandemic here in B.C.'
Lessons from South Korea for fighting COVID-19 pandemic here in B.C.
WATCH: (From April 30, 2020) Lessons from South Korea for fighting COVID-19 pandemic here in B.C – Apr 30, 2020

South Korea reported 34 new coronavirus cases on Sunday, the highest daily number in a month, after a small outbreak emerged around a slew of nightclubs that a confirmed patient had visited.

Of the new cases, 26 were domestically transmitted infections and eight were imported cases, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) said.

Sunday’s total was the highest since April 9. After battling the first major epidemic outside China, South Korea posted zero or very few domestic cases over the past 10 days, with the daily tally hovering around 10 or less in recent weeks.

The resurgence followed a small but growing coronavirus outbreak centered in a handful of Seoul nightclubs, which a man in his late 20s had visited before testing positive for the virus.

Story continues below advertisement
Click to play video: 'Coronavirus outbreak: BC’s top doctor says they need to find ‘sweet spot’ in social interaction'
Coronavirus outbreak: BC’s top doctor says they need to find ‘sweet spot’ in social interaction

At least 15 people were traced to that man as of Friday, and 14 of the 26 cases were reported from Seoul on Sunday, though the KCDC did not specify how many were linked.

Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday.

Get weekly health news

Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Seoul city officials say they have a list of about 1,500 people who have gone to the clubs, and authorities have asked anyone who was there last weekend to self-isolate for 14 days and be tested.

The outbreak came just as South Korea has eased some social distancing restrictions and is seeking to fully reopen schools and businesses.

President Moon Jae-in warned of a second wave of the epidemic, saying the recent cluster underscored the risks that the virus which causes COVID-19 can spread widely again at any time.

Story continues below advertisement
Click to play video: 'Coronavirus around the world: May 9, 2020'
Coronavirus around the world: May 9, 2020

“It’s not over until it’s over. While keeping enhanced alertness till the end, we must never lower our guard regarding epidemic prevention,” he said in a televised speech marking the third anniversary of his inauguration.

“It will be a long time before the COVID-19 outbreak has ended completely. We should also brace for the pandemic’s second wave.”

Click to play video: 'Professional baseball returns in Korea'
Professional baseball returns in Korea

Sponsored content

AdChoices