LOC09:25
06:25 GMT
TOKYO, Jan 20 (KUNA) -- South Korea added 404 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, bringing the country's total caseload to 73,518 according to Yonhap News Agency.
The country reported 17 more deaths, raising the total to 1,300, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.
Of the locally transmitted cases, Seoul accounted for 135 cases and the surrounding Gyeonggi Province took up 126.
The government extended its tougher social distancing measures for two more weeks until January 31, while easing some restrictions on cafes, gyms and other indoor facilities.
Under the new measures, the capital area is under Level 2.5, the second highest in a five-tier system, and the rest of the nation remains under Level Two.
The ban on private gatherings of five or more people, and the restriction on business operations after 9:00 p.m., has also been extended. However, indoor gyms, cram schools and some other establishments are allowed to reopen on the condition that they strictly adhere to antivirus measures. (end)
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