South Korea strengthens social distancing rules

Officials in South Korea said they will elevate social distancing rules in the greater Seoul area and some parts of the eastern Gangwon province to try to suppress a coronavirus resurgence there. Tuesday's announcement came as South Korea's daily virus tally stayed above 200 for a fourth straight day.

South Korea has been experiencing a steady increase in virus infections since it relaxed social distancing guidelines last month. Health Minister said it was expected to adjust the social distancing rules in the Seoul and Gangwon areas for two weeks to prevent a viral spread across the country.

Under the new rules, effective from Thursday in those areas, authorities would ban a gathering of more than 100 people during rallies, festivals, concerts and academic events. The new rules would also ban dancing and moving to other seats at night clubs and other high-risk entertainment facilities and drinking and eating at karaoke rooms and concert halls. Earlier Tuesday, South Korea added 230 more virus cases, taking the country's recorded and reported total to 28,998, with 494 deaths.