S. Korea: Gov't Workers With COVID-19 May Face Action

Government workers in South Korea will face disciplinary action if they contract the coronavirus by failing to follow safety rules, the country's prime minister warned on Tuesday.

"In cases of slack discipline in the public sector, such as cases where public office workers test positive by not complying with anti-virus measures, we will gravely seek disciplinary measures," Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said in a Cabinet meeting, according to Yonhap News Agency.

His warning came as daily COVID-19 cases continue to rise in South Korea, reaching 349 on Tuesday, including 320 local infections, and taking the overall tally to 31,353.

The country has reported 510 deaths to date – a fatality rate of 1.63%.

Health officials have said South Korea is witnessing a third wave, with the single-day figure in three digits since Nov. 8 and consistently above 300 for the past few days.

Most infections this month have been linked to clusters from private gatherings, public facilities, hospitals, and the military.

Officials have also sought stricter measures ahead of a nationwide exam that will be taken by some half a million high school students and others in early December.

Hong Kong

Amid a rise in COVID-19 cases, bars, nightclubs, and karaoke lounges may soon be closed in Hong Kong, according to a report by the South China Morning post.

Restrictions are also in the offing for other entertainment venues and events as Hong Kong's daily tally reached 83 on Tuesday, the highest since Aug. 7.

"We continue in a vigilant manner to fight the epidemic. We will step up testing on a mandatory basis and targeted group basis," said Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng.

Hong Kong had reported 5,701 coronavirus infections, including 108 fatalities, as of Monday. -