South Korea will extend unprecedented social distancing rules in Seoul and neighboring areas until January 17, Health Minister Kwon Deok-cheol said on Saturday, including a ban on gatherings with more than four people.

Kwon told a briefing that the measures were necessary to reduce a prolonged surge in infections that has led to a spike in deaths.

The country reported 824 new cases as of midnight on Friday, down from 1,029 a day before.