A visitor wearing a face mask walks near a screen displaying precautions against the coronavirus in Seoul, South Korea (Lee Jin-man/AP)South Korea has reported 42 new infections of Covid-19 as infections steadily climb in the greater capital area, forcing authorities to consider stronger social restrictions. The figures announced by the Korea Centres for Disease Control and Prevention on Monday brought the national caseload to 12,757, including 282 deaths. Twenty-four of the new cases were reported from capital Seoul and nearby metropolitan areas, which have been at the centre of a virus resurgence since late May. At least 12 of the new cases were linked to international arrivals as the virus continues to strengthen its hold elsewhere around the world. Health Minister Park Neung-hoo announced on Sunday that the government is prepared to implement stronger social distancing measures if the epidemic continues to grow.

Source: Irish Independent June 29, 2020 02:15 UTC