South Korea to tighten social distancing, warns of new Covid-19 crisis

A man holding a pet dog takes a walk amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic at a park in Seoul, South Korea [Reuters]

South Korea will impose stricter social distancing rules for the greater Seoul area a month after easing them, officials said on Tuesday, warning of an even bigger crisis if anti-COVID-19 efforts fail to dampen a spike in new cases.

Starting Tuesday midnight, tighter curbs will ban public gatherings of 100 people or more, limit religious services and audiences at sporting events to 30% capacity, and require high-risk facilities including clubs and karaoke bars to broaden distance among guests.