South Korean Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn on Monday declared a de facto end to the outbreak of the Middle East Respiratory Virus (MERS) which has claimed 36 lives since May.
The number of people diagnosed with MERS has remained constant at 186 for the past 23 days, with the release of the last suspected patient on Monday, Yonhap News Agency reported.
"After weighing various circumstances, the medical personnel and the government judge that the people can now be free from worry," Hwang said.
"I ask the public to shake off all concerns over MERS and to resume normal daily activities, including economic, cultural, leisure and school activities," the prime minister said.
South Korea reported its first MERS case on May 26. The infected man had carried the virus from the Middle East, where the disease was first identified in 2012.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app