LOC09:28
06:28 GMT
TOKYO, Feb 15 (KUNA) -- South Korea added 344 new coronavirus cases on Monday, bringing the country's total caseload to 83,869, according to Yonhap News Agency.
The country reported five more deaths, raising the total to 1,527, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.
Of the newly transmitted cases, 147 cases were registered in Seoul and 99 in the surrounding Gyeonggi Province.
Authorities lowered the social distancing to Level Two -- the third highest in a five-tier system -- for the greater Seoul metropolitan area and Level 1.5 for other areas, for two weeks starting Monday.
The adjustment allows restaurants, coffee shops and gyms in Seoul and the surrounding Gyeonggi Province to remain open for an hour longer to 10:00 p.m.
In addition, about 480,000 multi-use facilities, including theaters, supermarkets, amusement parks and private institutions, can operate without curfews.
A ban on private gatherings of five or more people remains in place, while reunions of immediate family members are allowed. (end)
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