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Coronavirus

South Korea considers strictest COVID curbs as cases hit new high

Moon's approval ratings fall to record low as pandemic management criticized

South Korean President Moon Jae-in speaks on Dec. 7. The president apologized to the nation at the weekend for failing to stop the recent surge in COVID cases.   © Yonhap/Kyodo

SEOUL -- South Korea is considering raising social distancing restrictions to the highest level as COVID-19 cases surge and President Moon Jae-in's approval rate slumps to a record low over perceived tardiness in securing vaccines.

As new daily infections hit a new high of 1,030 on Sunday, Moon asked his cabinet at an emergency coronavirus meeting to prepare for the worst scenario of going up to Phase 3 -- the top level in a five-tier system.

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