The government has reaffirmed that it is reviewing a move to lift distancing rules on indoor sports facilities, karaoke rooms and private educational institutes from next week. 

These facilities are required to temporarily shut down until next Sunday under the government's social distancing measures. 

Son Young-rae, a Health Ministry official, said on Sunday in a regular press briefing that authorities are mulling lifting the curbs on the establishments after January 17.

Son added that related ministries are collecting opinions from relevant associations and groups and discussing quarantine measures. 

However, the official stressed that the government could start easing the measures carefully only after it slows down the virus spread as much as possible by next Sunday.