South Korea reports 397 new COVID-19 cases, KCDC warns of nationwide pandemic crisis

South Korea reported 397 new COVID-19 cases on Sunday, the highest spike since March 7, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).

The health authorities warned that the wider capital region should brace for another wave of pandemic crisis as 294 new cases were reported in Seoul and its surrounding areas. Another 100 cases were reported in provincial regions, the KCDC said.

The country reported 10 new imported cases on Sunday.  The health authority said four of the people who returned from overseas with the virus are South Korean nationals and the remaining six are foreigners.

The country's total caseload has risen to 17,399, and the death toll remains at 309, according to the KCDC.