SEOUL: South Korea is raising its Covid-19 alert levels, as it battles a rise in infections.  South Korean Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun on Wednesday expressed concerns over the citizens seemingly waning vigilance against the Covid-19 pandemic, even as the daily new infections have risen substantially since the authorities eased social distancing norms a few days back.

Gatherings of more than 50 people will be banned in the capital Seoul and surrounding areas from Tuesday, while gyms and karaoke bars will be closed.

On Sunday 631 new infections were reported in one day, the highest number in nine months. The country was extensively praised for its virus response earlier this year, with aggressive testing and contact tracing. But the authorities have struggled in recent weeks. The number of active cases in South Korea now stands at 7,873, and there are concerns about rising numbers in hospitals.

South Korea's daily new coronavirus cases increased by the most in more than a month to 621 Wednesday, prompting concerns over a virus resurgence after the Lunar New Year holiday amid social distancing rules that were eased on Monday.

Chung said he considered the loosening of the public's sense of vigilance against the pandemic more worrisome than the precarious situation of antivirus measures, which he said is comparable to "walking on thin ice." "There are reports of violations of antivirus measures, such as non-mask wearing and disobeying of dance restriction rules at night clubs from 5 a.m.," Chung said. "Reportedly, there are also people who move to lodging facilities to continue drinking after bars shut down at 10 p.m. due to business restrictions," he added.

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