Pakistan cautions nationals in South Korea after coronavirus tally doubles

Pakistan has cautioned its nationals residing or staying in South Korea against the ongoing coronavirus endemic, after the country’s tally of cases almost doubled, making it the hardest-hit country outside China.

According to a press release by Pakistani embassy in Seoul, the nationals were cautioned to follow the guidelines under the South Korean health ministry.

The statement also advised Pakistani nationals to contact community welfare attaché in case of an emergency.

Emergence of new coronavirus cases in South Korea, Iran and Chinese hospitals and prisons renewed concerns over the spread of the disease that has taken the lives of more than 2,200 people.

The World Health Organisation warned nations could face a serious problem if they fail to "hit hard now" against the virus, which has infected more than 75,000 in China and over 1,100 abroad.

In South Korea, the number of cases nearly doubled to 204, making it the hardest-hit country outside China.

More than 120 members of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, a religious sect in the southern city of Daegu, have now been infected.

It started with a 61-year-old woman who developed a fever on February 10 but attended at least four church services before being diagnosed.

The mayor of Daegu -- South Korea´s fourth-biggest city, with a population of over 2.5 million -- has advised residents to stay indoors.

Most people on the streets were wearing masks Friday, but many businesses were closed and workers sprayed disinfectant outside the church.

"With so many confirmed cases here I´m worried that Daegu will become the second Wuhan," said Seo Dong-min, 24, referring to Hubei´s capital, where the virus first emerged.