Coronavirus: South Korea records 34 cases in 24 hours, highest in a month

South Korea has recorded 34 new cases on Sunday which is the highest daily number in a month after minor outbreaks emerged around a few nightclubs that a COVID patient visited it. 

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According to Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC), out of the 34 cases 26 are domestically transmitted eight are imported. 

South Korea had recorded zero or very few domestic coronavirus cases in the past 10 days and had total daily tally recorded around 10 or less in recent weeks making Sunday's toll highest in the month. 

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The rise in the number was due to growing outbreak around a few night clubs in Seoul where a man in late 20s visited after testing positive for the virus. 

The authorities are tracking down 1,500 people who have gone to these clubs and has asked anyone who was there last weekend to self-isolate for 14 days and be tested.

The outbreak has begun just after South Korea began easing their lockdown. But the South Korean President Moon Jae-in has warned of a second wave of the virus, he said: "It's not over until it's over. While keeping enhanced alertness till the end, we must never lower our guard regarding epidemic prevention," he said in a televised speech marking the third anniversary of his inauguration."

"We are in a prolonged war. I ask everyone to comply with safety precautions and rules until the situation is over even after resuming daily lives."

Moon said: "We will also push to establish hospitals specialised in treating infectious diseases and a national infectious disease research centre." 

"These tasks are very urgent if we are to prepare for the second epidemic wave that experts predict will hit this fall or winter."