Seoul heads for lockdown as infections spiral in South Korea

Another 1,378 cases on Friday as authorities warn new case numbers may nearly double by the end of July

South Korea posted its highest ever number of new daily Covid-19 infections within 24 hours, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency has said, in a third consecutive day of record high new infections.

Starting on Monday, coronavirus curbs will be tightened to the strictest level possible in Seoul and neighbouring regions for the first time.