South Korea has extended Covid-19 social distancing rules for an additional two weeks as Omicron variant infections soar, including a 9pm curfew for restaurants and a six-person limit on private gatherings.

“Slowing the pace of the Omicron's spread, which is heading to its peak day after day, is a priority in this difficult circumstance,” Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum said at a televised government response meeting.

South Korea reported a record daily increase of 27,443 new Covid-19 cases, with 24 new deaths, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency said.

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