▶ S. KOREA'S DAILY VIRUS TALLY HITS 3-MONTH LOW
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency has confirmed 1,050 new COVID-19 infections, mostly local transmissions, and eight additional virus-related deaths.
The daily caseload, down 370 from Sunday, marked the lowest since the fourth wave of the pandemic hit the country in July.
Recently, there have been signs of a virus slowdown amid increasing vaccination rates, but health authorities remain cautious as case figures tend to drop at the start of the week due to less testing over the weekend.
An official from the KDCA said if new infections continue to decline, the government may be able to phase into its "living with COVID-19" plan by next month.
Ahead of the envisioned return to "normal life," the government has eased caps on private gatherings, sporting events and weddings, among other restrictions.
However, the toughest Level 4 social distancing scheme in the greater Seoul area, and Level 3 distancing in most all other regions, will continue to be enforced until October 31.
▶ POLICE WARN OF CRACKDOWN ON PLANNED LABOR RALLY
The National Police Agency says labor groups could face strict punishment if they go ahead with planned rallies in the capital region on Wednesday, coinciding with a one-day general strike.
The agency said it will mobilize all available forces and equipment to block the groups from holding large-scale protest rallies, which are banned under current antivirus rules in the greater Seoul area.
Police Commissioner Kim Chang-ryong called for restraint amid serious concerns the organized protest could lead to mass spread of COVID-19 in the community.
Earlier, Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum stressed such actions could hinder efforts to return to normal life.
Kim said the next two weeks are especially crucial in preventing further spread of the virus.
▶ SPY CHIEFS TO DISCUSS N. KOREA ISSUES
The intelligence chiefs of South Korea, the United States and Japan will reportedly hold a closed-door meeting Monday in Seoul to discuss North Korea.
According to local sources, National Intelligence Service Director Park Jie-won will sit down with his counterparts from Washington and Tokyo, Avril Haines and Hiroaki Takizawa, respectively.
It will be their first talks in five months, likely focused on Pyongyang's recent testing of new weapons and other issues of mutual concern.
President Moon Jae-in's proposal to formally declare the end of the Korean War in order to promote peace on the Korean Peninsula could also be on their agenda.
▶ PRINCE WILLIAM'S FIRST EARTHSHOT PRIZES OFFER HOPE
Costa Rica is among the five winners of the first ever Earthshot prizes set up by Queen Elizabeth's grandson Prince William to reward people trying to save the planet.
The Central American country won for a scheme launched to restore natural ecosystems.
Another prize was given to two best friends who grow coral in the Bahamas.
Each of the winning entries will receive a million pounds, which is over 1.3 million dollars.
U.S. President Joe Biden's climate change envoy, John Kerry, spoke at the event.
[Clip: Kerry]
"There is reason the be filled with hope and even with optimism about our future. The finalists and winners that we've recognized this evening remind us that we do have an incredible ability to turn the improbable into reality if we work together."
▶ 89 CITIES, COUNTIES FACE EXTINCTION
Eighty-nine cities and counties across South Korea are in danger of extinction due to population decrease.
The interior ministry said the "depopulation areas" have been designated for intensive support from the central government, including financial support.
