South Korea Shakes Up Guidelines as COVID Cases Spike
Work From Home Order Amid Record Daily Infections
South Korea reported a record‑high 441 new COVID‑19 cases on Wednesday, the largest daily count since the country’s first big wave in March. The surge has prompted officials to urge businesses to let staff work from home, especially in crowded environments like call centres and logistics warehouses.
Health Minister Park Neung‑hoo warned: “If your workplace is vulnerable—think dense call centres and busy warehouses—carry out thorough risk checks. Cut staff numbers, adopt flexible hours, and let people work from home to keep the virus at bay.”
Clusters Underscoring New Risks
- The spike is largely tied to a church outbreak and an anti‑government rally held earlier this month.
- About 80 % of the new cases came from the Seoul metropolitan area, with many linked to the church and the rally.
- Earlier in March, a call centre outbreak was noted, and a June incident involving a Coupang logistics centre added at least 100 more cases.
- Health authorities logged at least 933 infections from the church incident.
Current Stats and Government Moves
The country’s cumulative tally now stands at 18,706 confirmed cases and 313 deaths. A 51,000‑person list of rally contacts has been sent to local governments for follow‑up.
While pushing for healthcare reform, the government faces protests and strikes from doctors. In response, officials are contemplating the strictest social distancing tier, which could see schools and businesses closed—an ominous prospect for Asia’s fourth‑biggest economy.
Stay Updated
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