The Seoul Metropolitan Government is banning rallies at Seoul Plaza, Cheonggye Plaza and Gwanghwamun Square to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Mayor Park Won-soon announced during an emergency briefing Friday that local organizations will be notified of the ban.
Violators could face fines of up to around 3 million won.
The mayor said all Sincheonji churches in the capital will be temporarily shut down after dozens from the religious sect in Daegu tested positive for the virus.
As part of expanded safety measures, Seoul city has decided to suspend operations of more than 3,400 welfare centers, including senior citizens' centers, until the outbreak situation is deemed under control.■
<Photo: Yonhap News>
