South Korea records highest number of daily virus deaths since the start of the pandemic

South Korea reported a further 926 new coronavirus cases and 24 deaths on Sunday, the highest number of deaths reported in a single day since the start of the pandemic.

A total of 24 Covid-19 patients died in the past 24 hours, bringing the death toll to 698, according to figures released by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KCDC) Monday.   

Another 649 cases were detected in the capital, the Seoul Metropolitan area, the statement said.

Authorities in Seoul are still deciding whether to increase social distancing restrictions to the maximum level, but fear that it may add further strain to the economy.

South Korea has reported more than 50,500 cases.

Read more about South Korea's coronavirus outbreak here.