South Korea is on the edge of another Covid-19 outbreak as cases have begun spreading rapidly in the capital city of Seoul and its surrounding vicinity, both Yonhap News Agency and The Korea Herald reported.

New cases of the virus have been consistently recorded in the triple digits for more than a week, beginning with 103 cases from Aug. 14 which were largely traced to a church based in Seoul, known as the Sarang Jeil Church.

The city itself has since recorded over 1,000 new cases of Covid-19 between Aug. 15 and Aug. 22, while the country has recorded a total of 2,893 new cases of the virus from Aug. 14 to Aug. 24.

As such, the Seoul metropolitan government has made the wearing of masks compulsory for both indoor and crowded outdoor venues, except while having meals.

Previously, the wearing of masks was mandatory only for buses, taxis and subways, and came into effect in mid-May when a rise in infections was traced to several nightlife premises within the city.

The city's acting mayor, Seo Jeong-hyup, stated on Aug. 23:

"By mandating masks, we hope to again set the notion and remind all residents that wearing face masks is the basics of staying safe in everyday life, as well as a social promise."

Social distancing rules expanded outside city

In addition, stricter social distancing rules have been expanded outside of Seoul. These include the closure of nightclubs, karaoke rooms and internet cafes, along with the banning of gatherings of more than 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors.

CNA reported that the ban also extends to in-person church meetings and buffets. Meanwhile, sports events can still continue but without spectators.

The director of South Korea's Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) stated that health authorities were also discussing whether to raise the rules of social distancing to the highest level, amidst the monitoring of the current outbreak, The Korea Herald further reported.

South Korea has reported 17,665 cases of Covid-19 so far

As of Aug. 24, South Korea has reported 17,665 cases of Covid-19.

The number includes 266 new cases of the virus that were also reported on the same day.

Yonhap reported that although this is a drop compared to Aug. 23's figure of 397 new cases, this is likely due to fewer tests conducted over the weekend.

As for the Sarang Jeil church, the Seoul metropolitan government stated that 21.7 per cent of its members tested in Seoul have since been confirmed to be infected with the virus, with 841 cases of Covid-19 confirmed as of Aug. 23.

In addition, a protest that the church held against the government on Aug. 15 has since reported 136 cases. This includes the church's pastor, who participated in the rally himself.

We deliver more stories to you on LinkedIn

Top photo by JUNG YEON-JE/AFP via Getty Images