Churches were closed in South Korea today with many holding online services instead, as authorities fought to rein in public gatherings, with 376 new coronavirus infections – taking the tally to 3,526 cases.

That came a day after the biggest daily jump of 813 cases in South Korea’s battle with the largest virus outbreak outside China.

The death toll of 17 was unchanged from Saturday.

In Seoul which is the capital, about a dozen worshippers were turned away from the Yoido Full Gospel Church, which put a sermon for its 560,000 followers on YouTube.

This was filmed with a small choir instead of all 200 members and 60-strong orchestra.

Meanwhile, few believers were seen praying inside the empty chapel at the Myeongdong Catholic Cathedral.

For the first time in its 236-year history, South Korea’s Catholic church decided to halt masses at more than 1,700 locations nationwide.