New coronavirus cases stay below 100 for third day

A screen shows a ban on rallies as a police officer wearing a face mask and face shield stands guard to block protesters' possible rallies against the government in Seoul, Friday. AP

South Korea reported 72 new COVID-19 infections for Friday, its third straight day below 100 cases, but the authorities remain on high alert amid back-to-back holidays.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) said this pushed the country's caseload to 24,548.

Among the newly confirmed cases, there were 61 local infections ― 25 in Seoul and 24 in Gyeonggi Province ― and 11 from international arrivals, it added.

The KDCA also reported two more deaths, bringing the total to 430, while 55 additional patients have been released following treatment.

Despite the double-digit increase in daily cases, concerns linger due to the report of a group infection incident in Daejeon, 160 kilometers south of Seoul, which was linked to a family gathering during the five-day Chuseok holiday that ran through last Sunday.

South Korea also began a three-day holiday period from Hangeul Day which fell on Friday, to celebrate the Korean alphabet.

The number of coronavirus tests nationwide declined to 4,451 that day and the ratio of those having tested positive jumped to 1.62 percent from 0.47 percent Thursda. (Yonhap)