Yonhap via The Korea Herald/Asia News Network
SEOUL — South Korean health authorities said Thursday that warmer weather is unlikely to inhibit the spread of the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19, warning that the next wave of infections could arrive soon as more cases arise in the Seoul area.
In the 24 hours ending Wednesday at midnight, South Korea added 59 more cases of the coronavirus. Of those, 51 were from local transmission and eight were linked to overseas travel.
The Greater Seoul area — which includes Gyeonggi Province and Incheon — reported the most patients, 39. Daejeon confirmed seven, South Chungcheong Province three, and North Jeolla Province and Sejong one each.
Minister of Health Park Neung-hoo said in a Thursday meeting at the Central Disaster Management Headquarters that increased travel during summer vacation season might cause a new spike.
“The ministries of Health and Oceans are devising COVID-19 guidance for safety at the beaches,” he said.
Park said eating at restaurants was among the riskiest activities, and that a slew of recent infections had been traced to indoor dining.
“Refrain from sharing dishes and engaging in conversations while dining together,” he said.
To date, 12,257 people have been infected with the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, of whom 280 have died.