At least 215 coronavirus infections have been linked to bars and clubs in Seoul’s Itaewon area.
The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention told reporters that eight more infections were added to the Itaewon tally Friday.
Tertiary and quarternary infections have been confirmed within the cluster, and health officials believe one of the latest cases is the country’s first quinary infection.
The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it presumes the Itaewon cluster virus came into the country from the United States or Europe.
The wide-ranging cluster has prompted the government to categorize nightlife establishments such as singing rooms and bars as "high-risk facilities" for strict control.
Vice Health Minister Kim Gang-lip said the move comes after frequent reported violations of social distancing guidelines at certain facilities with features that make following the recommended rules challenging.
<Photo: Yonhap News>
