AUTHORITIES STRESS IMPORTANCE OF DISTANCING

[Anchor Lead]

Prime Minister Chung Se-kyun has tested negative for COVID-19 after exposure to the virus from his staff member at the Seoul Government Complex. With sporadic infections continuing ahead of the Chuseok holiday, health authorities are once again urging the public to stay home during the holiday period.

[Pkg]

The annex of the Seoul Government Complex is closed. This is due to one of the staff members working in the prime minister's office on the fourth floor tested positive for COVID-19. The official came into close contact with an infected person the day before. With sporadic cluster infections continuing in workplaces, the risk is especially high at logistics centers, where infections spread easily. With many people cancelling their trips to their hometowns and sending gifts to their loved ones instead, logistics centers are expected to see a 30 percent surge in the number of parcels during this year's Chuseok holiday period.

[Soundbite] PARK NEUNG-HOO(CENTRAL DISASTER AND SAFETY COUNTERMEASURES HEADQUARTERS) : "Prevent contact with people in cafeterias, resting areas and smoking rooms in particular."

Citing the example of a 97-percent on-year drop in measles, health authorities are once again emphasizing the importance of wearing masks and practicing social distancing to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. This means personal hygiene is vital during the holiday period. Officials also stress that traveling to tourist spots is equally as risky as traveling to hometowns. They are urging the public to stay at home during the holiday, as the number of coronavirus cases can surge again anytime after a temporary decline.

[Soundbite] KWON JUN-WOOK(CENTRAL DISEASE CONTROL HEADQUARTERS) : "The number of critically ill patients has been at 144 since August. Avoid even brief meetings with people to protect the elderly from contracting the virus."

Health authorities plan to continue COVID-19 testing at screening stations and around-the-clock consultations during the holiday period.