Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said the government will further monitor the rising uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 cases, before carefully deciding how it will adjust social distancing guidelines.

At a meeting with officials on Friday, Chung said the most appropriate measures will be sought after a more thorough analysis of the current rise in cases, as well as the effectiveness of quarantine and its impact on people's livelihoods.

The government had previously planned to announce the revisions on Friday, but it was delayed amid the latest surge in daily infections and a cluster linked to a missionary society.

While recognizing the difficulties experienced by small business owners impacted by months-long enhanced distancing rules, the prime minister also expressed caution about easing them ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday next month.