Seoul (AFP)

South Korea on Friday reported 1,241 new cases of coronavirus, a record in a country whose Christmas celebrations have been weighed down by the third wave of the epidemic.

South Korea was presented a few weeks ago as a model for managing the epidemic, because it had managed to contain its spread thanks to a very effective strategy of detection, but also to the great discipline of the population in respect social distancing rules.

But a new epidemic wave has resulted in a surge in the number of cases, with this new record recorded on Friday.

“We ask you to cancel your meetings and gatherings, even if they are with your immediate family,” said Yoon Tae-ho, a health authority official.

In total, 70% of new cases were recorded in the capital region, where half of the country's population lives, which is 52 million.

On Wednesday, gatherings of more than four people were banned in this region until January 3.

Churches have moved on to online masses, or small-scale celebrations.

Winter sports resorts and national parks have also closed.

At the Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul, one of the largest Protestant churches in the world, only about fifteen people - a pastor, employees, a choir ... - were present for the Christmas mass, which was broadcast online.

"Our church can normally accommodate up to 12,000 people," Park Jae-woo, a church employee, told AFP, who said that not being able to celebrate Christmas with all the faithful is "heartbreaking".

"But we absolutely understand that the social distancing rules are meant to save people."

At Myeongdong Cathedral, located in central Seoul, only 15 parishioners were allowed to come to mass.

All had to book.

Those who were unable to enter attended mass in the square.

South Korea has embarked on a massive testing program, providing free testing to residents of the Seoul area until January 3.

More than 118,000 tests were carried out as of Thursday alone, authorities said.

South Korea was one of the countries first affected by the Chinese-born pandemic at the start of the year.

But she had almost come to the end with her system of "trace, test, treat", without ever having to impose the brutal confinements of Europe or other regions of the world.

© 2020 AFP