South Korea reports 76 new coronavirus cases, total 9,037; govt to double rescue package to S$116 billion

An elderly woman wearing a face mask walks past lotus lanterns ahead of Buddha's birthday at Jogyesa Temple in Seoul, South Korea, on March 23, 2020. PHOTO: AFP

Updated

Published

Mar 24, 2020, 09:44 AM

SEOUL (REUTERS) - South Korea reported 76 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday (March 24), maintaining a downward trend in new infections which raised hopes that Asia's largest outbreak outside China may be slowing.

The daily tally brought the country's total infections to 9,037, according to the Korea Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC). The death toll rose by two to 120.

It marked the 13th day in a row the country has posted new infections of around 100 or less.

South Korea reported its lowest number of new cases on Monday since with the peak of 909 cases recorded on Feb. 29.

President Moon Jae-in said on Tuesday the government will double a planned rescue package to contain mounting economic and financial fallout from the coronavirus to 100 trillion won (S$116 billion).

The government will expand policy financing loans for small- to medium-sized companies, help them keep jobs, and inject liquidity into financial markets by buying corporate bonds.