(Photo: Yonhap)
Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum says the COVID-19 situation in South Korea is worse than expected, especially in the greater Seoul area, home to around half of the population.
Kim said Wednesday authorities should consider implementing emergency measures in the capital region to block the virus from spreading further.
He made the comments as the daily coronavirus case tally breached the 4,000 mark for the first time since the start of the pandemic.
"Our gradual return to normal life has faced its first hurdle," Kim said during an interagency meeting, referring to the "living with COVID" scheme that began on November 1.
"We are at a point to review whether we should move to the next phase or not, but the situation is more serious than expected."
While Kim expressed confidence in the government's ability to overcome the current crisis, he called for people, particularly seniors, to get booster shots amid waning efficacy and rising breakthrough cases.
The prime minister also stressed that everyone must keep wearing masks and getting tested voluntarily to protect themselves and others.
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