Residents of Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province distance themselves from one another while waiting to get tested for COVID-19 on Jan. 6, 2021. (Photo: Yonhap News)
Government officials say strict social distancing measures in place to contain a resurgence of COVID-19, including a ban on gatherings of five or more people, could be extended.
Level 2.5 social distancing is in place in the capital region and Level 2 in other areas.
The measures are set to expire on Sunday, and officials said new guidelines will be announced a day prior.
Yoon Tae-ho, a spokesman with the Central Disaster Management Headquarters, said in a press briefing Thursday that completely easing restrictions could be difficult due to risks of another spike in infections.
Yoon did not mention specific distancing levels but said they need to be adjusted to fit current conditions.
The official noted that even though the daily number of new coronavirus cases has hovered around 500 for the past few days, the country is dealing with a much more serious situation than the first and second waves it faced last year.
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