GOV'T CONTEMPLATES ON EXTENDING DISTANCING RULES

[Anchor Lead]

The number of new COVID-19 cases has been below the 200 mark for the last few days. But it's still early to say the spread has been contained due to several cluster infections at call centers and distribution centers. Health authorities plan to watch the transmission trends and decide on whether to extend the stricter social distancing guidelines by this weekend.

[Pkg]

Shutdown orders from the Gangdong-gu District Office are posted on the doors of this building. Sixteen employees were found to have been infected at a call center located on the 8th floor. Four of their family members also tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total to at least 22 cases so far. Epidemiologists found the virus on the air conditioners on the ceiling and on the door knobs.

[Soundbite] PARK YU-MI(SEOUL DISASTER AND SAFETY COUNTERMEASURES HQS) : "Disinfect the surfaces in the common areas and ventilate the room more than once every two hours even while air conditioning."

Large-scale cluster infections were reported at a call center in Seoul's Guro-gu District in March, and at a Coupang distribution center in Bucheon in May and June. Since then, disease prevention measures for such locations have been toughened, but infections still occur. So far 10 employees from the Coupang distribution center in Songpa-gu District have tested positive since one worker was found to have been infected last Friday. Health authorities once again stressed the importance of following basic personal hygiene rules.

[Soundbite] KIM GANG-LIP(GENERAL COORDINATOR, CENTRAL DISASTER AND SAFETY COUNTERMEASURES HQS) : "In a crowded workplace, a single individual's carelessness and complacency can easily lead to community infections."

A Japanese Buddhist missionary center in Yeongdeungpo-gu District had about 10 infections, while four cases were confirmed at Susaek Catholic Church in Eunpyeong-gu District Sporadic cluster infections continue largely in the Seoul metropolitan area. Officials are keeping an eye on the situation and will decide whether or not to alter the social distancing level by this weekend.

[Soundbite] YOON TAE-HO(CENTRAL DISASTERS MANAGEMENT HQS) : "We are well aware that the self-employed are suffering financially. I'd like to say that everybody's cooperation can put an end to such difficulties."

Meanwhile, the government is expanding support for depression and other psychological problems caused by the prolonged pandemic.