비수도권 거리두기 2단계 27일까지 연장... 추석연휴 귀성객 30% 감소 전망

Our top story this morning.
South Korea saw new COVID-19 cases dip below 100 on Sunday for the first time in over a month, but the nation has decided to extend its social distancing level two nationwide for another week, amid concerns on another surge in cases ahead of the Chuseok holidays.
Our Choi Won-jong starts us off..

South Korea has extended the strengthened social distancing guidelines nationwide to include provinces outside the greater Seoul area
The health authorities announced Sunday that the level 2 social distancing guidelines will be imposed across the nation until next Sunday-- 27th.

"Considering the fact that the Chuseok holiday is approaching in a week,... easing distancing measures will only cause chaos and increase the possibility of an outbreak."

This decision came after the nation continued to see untraceable cases and cluster infections reported outside the metropolitan area,... potentially leading to a rise in cases in the provinces.
Under the level 2 social distancing imposed, the operation of high-risk facilities such as singing rooms and bars will be banned.
No spectators will be allowed into sports stadiums.
Churches will be operating online only,... meaning no face to face services.
Public facilities like museums and libraries will also be closed for another week.
During the upcoming Chuseok holiday, the number of visitors to their hometowns is expected to drop by nearly 30-percent compared to last year.
However, the health authorities still expressed some major concerns regarding a potential surge in cases,... which is why no eating and drinking will be allowed at expressway rest stops nationwide during this year's holiday season.
The rest areas will be offering only take-out services from food stands.
The government also said that it would impose a 'special quarantine period' nationwide, starting from September 28th to October 11th.
Choi Won-jong, Arirang News.