South Korea Sees Largest Spike in COVID-19 Cases in Nearly Two Months

By Staff, Agencies

South Korea reported its biggest spike in COVID-19 cases caused by the novel coronavirus in nearly two months on Thursday, as officials scramble to tackle fresh clusters that have raised concerns of a possible second wave of infections.

The country has been held up as a global model in how to curb the virus and has begun to ease restrictions, but is now rushing to contain new infections as life returns to normal.

The country’s officials announced 79 new cases Thursday -- taking its total to 11,344 -- with most fresh infections from the densely populated Seoul metropolitan area.

It was the largest increase since 81 cases were announced on April 5.

An outbreak at a warehouse of e-commerce firm Coupang in Bucheon, west of Seoul, has seen 69 cases, said the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Around 4,100 workers and visitors to the building were under self-isolation, with more than 80 percent tested so far, vice health minister Kim Gang-lip told reporters.

"We are expecting the number of new cases linked to the warehouse to continue rising until today as we wrap up related tests," he added.

Social distancing rules have been relaxed in South Korea and facilities such as museums and churches have reopened. Some professional sports -- including baseball and soccer -- started new seasons earlier this month, albeit behind closed doors.