S. Korea reports 16th MERS death and five new cases
South Korea on Monday reported the 16th death in an expanding MERS outbreak and announced financial aid to the tourism industry, warning earnings could be slashed by up to $2.3 billion as thousands cancel travel plans. Seoul also declared five new patients — bringing the total number of cases including the deaths to 150 — with fears growing over the impact of the crisis on Asia's fourth-largest economy. Vice tourism minister Kim Chong said more than 100,000 foreign travellers — mostly from China — have already cancelled trips to South Korea since the beginning of June and more are expected to follow suit.
