South Korea, one of the few countries that had a successful COVID-19 response during the pandemic, has recorded more than 1,000 new COVID cases for 57 consecutive days, falling short of the government’s expectation of reducing the number of coronavirus cases.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) reported that it saw 2,025 new COVID-19 cases, increasing the total caseload to 253,445. South Korea’s total population is roughly 51 million.
The case numbers are surging despite the Asian country’s strict social distancing rules and banning private gatherings after 6 p.m.
The government is struggling with slow vaccine distribution and is facing one of the biggest national holidays ahead, adding more concerns over the transmission on those days.
Health authorities are also planning to announce more restrictions this week, as South Korea’s national holiday, Chuseok, is approaching when millions travel across the country to visit their families.
