[Anchor]
Seoul city has banned gatherings, including rallies, at major venues in the capital to curb the spread of the new coronavirus.
It's part of a slew of measures that were announced today by Mayor Park Won-soon amid a rise in confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city.
Ron Chang has the details.
[Reporter]
In an emergency briefing this morning, Mayor Park said the city will forbid organizations from holding rallies at Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul Plaza and Cheonggye Plaza for the time being.
Park said the move is aimed at protecting the elderly who are more vulnerable to the disease.
Violators could face fines of up to around 3 million won.
The mayor added the city does not have the manpower to ban marches in other areas of the capital, noting police have authority over them.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government has also closed four Shincheonji churches in the city, including ones in the Dongjak and Nowon districts, after dozens from the religious sect in Daegu tested positive for the virus.
In addition, the 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.
Mayor Park called for efforts to prevent community infection here.
Ron Chang, eFM News.■
<Photo: Yonhap News>
