TOKYO, April 22 (KUNA) -- South Korea reported 735 new coronavirus cases on Thursday, topping 700 the second straight day, which brought the country's total caseload to 116,661, according to Yonhap News Agency.
The figure was the highest since Jan. 7 when the country recorded 869 new cases, the S. Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.
There were two more deaths, raising the death toll to 1,808, the public health agency said. Of the newly transmitted cases, Seoul reported 229 and Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital city saw 217 patients.
The greater Seoul area is currently under the Level 2 distancing scheme, the third highest in the five-phase system. The rest of the country is under Level 1.5, except for some municipalities that have adopted Level 2 measures. Private gatherings of five or more people are banned nationwide.
In addition, operations of entertainment establishments are not allowed in the greater Seoul area and the southeastern port city of Busan. (end) mk.aa