China News Agency, Seoul, January 16 (Reporter Zeng Nai) The South Korean government announced on the 16th that the metropolitan area will extend the 2.5-level epidemic prevention response level, and other regions will maintain the second-level epidemic prevention response level until the end of this month.

　　According to a report from the South Korean Central Anti-epidemic Countermeasures Headquarters on the 16th, in the past 24 hours, South Korea has added 580 confirmed cases, and a total of 71,820 confirmed cases.

The number of new cases in a single day in South Korea remained at around 500 for five consecutive days. Compared with the peak period in December last year, the recent growth trend has slowed down.

However, the Korean epidemic prevention department said that due to the continuous spread of infection, the epidemic may rebound again at any time.

Data map: People are waiting outside the temporary screening station near the subway station of Gangnam Samseong Station in Seoul, South Korea.

Photo by China News Agency reporter Zeng Nai

　　South Korean Prime Minister Ding Shikyun said on the same day that he would continue to strengthen prevention and control, and decided to extend the current 2.5 and 2 levels of epidemic prevention response levels in the metropolitan area and other regions, and continue to ban gatherings of 5 or more people nationwide, and prohibit dining in restaurants for 5 or more people ; The measure will continue until the end of this month.

　　The operation of some commercial institutions will be "relaxed."

Starting on the 18th, indoor gymnasiums, KTVs, etc. will be allowed to open with a limited number of people, and cafes will allow meals before 21:00.

　　Ding Shijun said that there have been discussions on how to balance prevention and control with the economy. The current measures are not enough to alleviate the operating difficulties of small and medium-sized enterprises, and other support measures will be formulated.

　　South Korea also set February 1-14 as the "special anti-epidemic period for the Spring Festival."

Ding Shijun said that people are advised to reduce travel and personal contact during the Spring Festival.

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