South Korea closes churches as coronavirus cases increase

Churches remained closed across South Korea on Sunday, as officials struggle with a coronavirus outbreak that has led to the cancellation of many public gatherings.

South Korea is battling the worst coronavirus outbreak outside China, with 3,736 cases and 18 deaths so far.

Religion is at the centre of South Korea’s outbreak. Authorities say members of the Christian group Shincheonji Church infected one another in the southern city of Daegu last month.

The Catholic Church – one of the main religious communities in the country – has suspended Masses in all its 1,734 parishes until 7 March.

The Church had never taken such a step in 236 years of presence in South Korea.

The South Korean government has restricted public events in an effort to stop the virus from spreading. The K-pop group BTS has cancelled a forthcoming concert series in Seoul.

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