South Korea reports lowest number of new coronavirus cases in 4 weeks

South Korea has reported on Monday the lowest number of new coronavirus cases since infection rates peaked four weeks ago.

The latest figures fuel hope Asia’s worst outbreak outside China may be easing.

The South Asian country reported 64 new cases of the flu-like virus over the past 24 hours, taking the total to 8,961, along with 111 deaths, BBC reported.

However, health officials warn against a new wave of infections, saying the country still faces a long war against the pandemic.

To date, South Korea has seen two waves of infections, according to Yonhap news agency, the first started on 20 January with the first confirmed case, while the second with mass infections was among a religious group.

The South Korean government plans to install around 20 phone booth-style test facilities inside Incheon Airport to accelerate the process of testing all arrivals from Europe, BBC reported.

The new entry procedures have already started on Sunday.

The government also sent out emergency alerts at the weekend urging people to stay away from places involving mass gatherings, including churches, karaoke rooms, nightclubs, and gyms.

It sent guidelines to religious leaders, telling them to check the temperature of followers and keep them at least two metres apart during any services they deemed necessary.

A number of churches are currently facing legal action after violating these guidelines, according to the BBC.