South Korea begins fining those caught without masks in public

Fines for not wearing a mask in public are 100,000 won (£68)

Credit: Ahn Young-Joon/AP

South Korea has reported its biggest daily jump in COVID-19 cases in 70 days as the government began fining people who fail to wear masks in public.

The 191 new cases Friday represented the sixth consecutive day above 100 and was the highest daily increase since September 4, when authorities reported 198 new infections.

The continuing spread has alarmed government officials, who have eased social distancing measures to soften the pandemic’s shock on the economy.

While this has allowed high-risk venues like nightclubs and karaoke bears to reopen, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said the spread could force the government to seriously consider tightening social distancing again.

"We are in a precarious situation," he said, pleading for vigilance and for labour unions and civic groups to cancel planned rallies.

South Korea has so far weathered its outbreak without major lockdowns, relying on an aggressive test-and-quarantine program and relatively widespread use of masks.

On Friday, officials started imposing fines of up to 100,000 won (£68) for people who fail to wear masks on public transport and in venues including hospitals, nursing homes, pharmacies, nightclubs, karaoke bars, religious and sports facilities.

In Seoul, city employees were deployed at subway stations and bus stops to monitor commuters.