Hikers on Namsan in Seoul enjoy the sunny weather after the rain on May 2, 2021, amid continuing coronavirus infections. (Photo: Yonhap News)
South Korea reported 488 new coronavirus cases on Monday and one more virus-related fatality.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency said 465 local and 23 imported infections were confirmed in the last 24 hours, pushing the total caseload to 123,728.
The death toll rose to 1,834.
The daily tally fell back to the 400s apparently due to less testing over the weekend, according to health authorities, but concerns remained over a fourth wave.
Social distancing rules and a ban on private gatherings of five or more people have been extended for three more weeks until May 23.
But authorities are also adopting new distancing rules in 20 counties and cities in South Jeolla Province, which have posted an average of 2.3 new cases a day over the past week.
Under the revamped Level 1 distancing scheme, private gatherings of six or fewer people are allowed and up to 300 people can gather for events.
The measures may extend nationwide in July if daily virus cases remain under 1,000 by the end of June.
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