As clocks struck 9pm this week, customers packed up and left restaurants and other eateries across South Korea as a reimposed curfew designed to help stem a surge in coronavirus infections sparks fears of economic disaster for some businesses, Reuters reports.

Last week authorities announced a series of social distancing measures lasting until at least January 2. They include limiting gatherings to no more than four people and forcing restaurants, cafes and bars to close by 9pm.

The measures came just six weeks after highly-vaccinated South Korea eased many restrictions to try to "live with Covid-19". Since then daily cases and serious infections have hit record highs, adding to strains on the country's medical system.

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