South Korea has reported more than 2,000 new coronavirus cases for the second time as it struggles to subdue a wave of outbreaks during the summer holidays, driven by the more contagious Delta variant.

South Korea has managed to tackle outbreaks since its epidemic began early last year thanks to intensive testing and tracing but it is now facing persistent spikes in infections and vaccine shortages, Reuters reports.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) reported 2,152 cases for Wednesday, the second highest since the pandemic began, after the daily tally topped 2,200 for the first time last week. Total infections rose to 230,808, with 2,191 deaths.

The latest infections emerged around the capital, Seoul, and neighbouring regions but have spread nationwide as people travel for vacations.