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S. Korea's new virus cases hit 8-month high of 583

TOKYO, Nov 26 (KUNA) -- South Korea added 583 new coronavirus cases for the highest level in over eight months on Thursday, bringing the country's total caseload to 32,318, according to Yonhap News Agency.
The country reported two additional deaths from COVID-19, raising the total to 515, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a statement.
Due to sporadic cluster infections nationwide, it marks the first time that the country's daily virus cases exceeded 500 since March 6. Among the new local infections, Seoul confirmed 208 cases, its highest-ever daily tally, while the surrounding Gyeonggi Province reported 177.
Health authorities have called for stronger action before a nationwide college exam on December 3 as they warned a third wave of the pandemic is under way due to cluster infections from private gatherings, public facilities, hospitals and the military.
They also raised the social distancing level by one notch to Level 2 under a five-tier scheme in the Seoul metropolitan area for two weeks starting Tuesday. Under the Level 2 scheme, gatherings involving 100 or more people are banned, while some virus-prone facilities need to suspend their business. Restaurants are allowed to serve food until 9:00 p.m., with only takeout and delivery services available afterward. (end) mk.rk