South Korea eases social distancing despite record virus deaths

Jeon Hae-cheol, minister of the interior and safety, said the curfew at restaurants, bars, movie theatres and other indoor businesses will be extended by an hour from 10pm to 11pm starting on Saturday

People wait for a coronavirus test at a makeshift testing site in Seoul (AP)

South Korean officials have announced an easing of social distancing restrictions even as the country saw its deadliest day of the pandemic.

The move reflects reduced political capacity to deal with a fast-developing omicron surge in the face of a growing economic toll and a presidential election next week.