South Korea tells citizens to stay home at critical moment in virus battle

South Korea urged citizens on Saturday to stay indoors as it warned of a “critical moment” in its battle on the COVID-19 after recording the biggest daily jump in infections, as 813 new cases took the tally to 3,150.

South Korea is grappling with the largest outbreak of the virus outside China, as a new death took the toll to 17. “We have asked you to refrain from taking part in public events, including a religious gathering or protest, this weekend,” Vice Health Minister Kim Kang-lip told a briefing.

It was a “critical moment” in reining in the spread of the virus, he said, adding, “Please stay at home and refrain from going outside and minimise contact with other people.”