SEOUL, Jan. 3 (CNA) - South Korea reported 657 new coronavirus cases for Saturday (Jan 2), the lowest daily infection total in nearly four weeks, as tougher restrictions during the New Year holiday season helped fight the spread.

That was much lower from 824 the day before, but brought the total cases to 63,244 with 962 deaths, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) said on Sunday.

The country has expanded a ban on private gatherings larger than four people to include the whole country, and extend unprecedented social distancing rules in Seoul and neighbouring areas until Jan 17.