(2nd LD) Coronavirus cases stay below 100 for 3rd day

(ATTN: UPDATES with case in Incheon in 4th para, social distancing guidelines in last 3 paras)

SEOUL, Oct. 10 (Yonhap) -- South Korea reported 72 new COVID-19 cases Saturday, its third straight day of the number being below 100, but authorities remained on high alert amid back-to-back holidays.

The total caseload rose to 24,548, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).

Among the newly confirmed cases, there were 61 local infections and 11 from international arrivals, it said.

In particular, the KDCA said 23 new patients were confirmed in Seoul, 24 in Gyeonggi Province and eight in Incheon.

The public health agency reported two more coronavirus-related deaths, bringing the total to 430, while 55 additional patients have been released from treatment.

Despite the double-digit increase in daily virus cases, concerns linger due to the report of a group infection incident in Daejeon, 160 kilometers south of Seoul, which is linked with a family gathering during the five-day Chuseok holiday that ran through last Sunday.

South Koreans also began a three-day holiday period Friday, Hangeul Day, to celebrate the Korean alphabet.

On Friday, the number of coronavirus tests nationwide declined to 4,451 and the ratio of those having tested positive jumped to 1.62 percent from 0.47 percent the previous day.

The government plans to announce a decision Sunday on whether to adjust its social distancing guidelines, currently at Level 2.

Under the Level 2 scheme, South Koreans can maintain most of their daily routines, but outdoor gatherings of more than 100 people are banned. Sports events are allowed without spectators, and indoor meetings of 50 or more people are prohibited.

On Saturday, the number of new diagnosed cases in the greater Seoul area came to 55, above 50, which is the criterion for Level 1.

lcd@yna.co.kr
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