South Korea has put in place strengthened virus curbs till October 11, ahead of the three-day Chuseok holiday which starts tomorrow. The holiday period will extend till October 11 when combined with another three-day break from Oct. 9 to 11 for Hangeul Day, which celebrates the Korean alphabet. The biggest, imminent challenge is to prevent a potential rebound in new virus cases during this period, which traditionally entails mass movements of people and family gatherings across the country.<br />''<br />''Health Minister Park Neunghoo said, the number of local infections is on a downward trend but is still fluctuating. Health authorities have been urging people to stay home over the holidays, but to better contain local transmissions of COVID-19, they unveiled more tailored guidelines last week under the Level 2 distancing in the country's three-tier social distancing scheme.<br />''<br />''Meanwhile, a Seoul court today upheld bans on anti-government protests which were planned for Oct. 3, the National Foundation Day, including a drive-thru rally, amid concerns over coronavirus infections.<br />