Coronavirus: South Korea reports 599 new cases and six more casualties, taking death toll to 26

Lee Man-hee, the founder of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, apologised for the outbreak following accusations his sect is criminally liable

The strain on medical facilities and staff has grown so intense that elderly patients and those with existing health problems will be prioritised

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Lee Man-hee, leader of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, speaks during a press conference in Gapyeong, South Korea. Photo: AFP

Published: 10:22am, 2 Mar 2020Updated: 10:58pm, 2 Mar 2020

South Korea reported 599 new coronavirus cases on Monday, sending the largest national total in the world outside China past 4,000.

The Korea Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) also confirmed the country’s death toll had risen to 26 from 20 the day before.

South Korea on Monday postponed reopening schools a further two weeks until March 23. Officials have also decided the strain on medical facilities and staff has grown so intense that elderly patients and those with existing health problems will be prioritised for treatment.

Meanwhile, officials in Seoul have filed a criminal complaint requesting a murder investigation into the leaders of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the controversial Christian sect at the epicentre of the outbreak, claiming the church should be liable for its refusal to cooperate with efforts to contain the disease.

Of the 599 new cases announced on Monday – taking the total to 4,335 – more than 90 per cent were in Daegu and the neighbouring province of North Gyeongsang, the KCDC said.