New cases further inch down to 1,400s, tougher distancing measures eyed outside capital
People get tested for COVID-19 at a temporary facility set up in Haeundae, Busan, July 16. Yonhap Daily new COVID-19 cases retreated to the 1,400s Friday, but the authorities are considering imposing tighter social distancing measures outside the capital area amid the spiraling number of infections nationwide coupled with concerns over the Delta variant.The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) reported 1,455 coronavirus infections, including 1,404 local ones, raising the total caseload to 176,500.On the previous day, the country added 1,536 cases, slightly down from the record high of 1,615 tallied Wednesday. Daily cases have been staying above the 1,000 mark since July 7.Four more COVID-19 deaths were also reported, raising fatalities to 2,055.The greater Seoul area, home to half of the country's 51.3 million population, has been under the highest level of social distancing since Monday.Under the toughest virus curbs, gatherings of more than two peopl
Jul 17, 2021