Seoul, Apr 28 (IANS): South Korea reported fewer than 15 COVID-19 cases for the 10th day in a row on Tuesday, with the upcoming holidays set to be crucial in whether the country can go ahead with a lax social distancing drive next week.

The country reported 14 new virus cases, bringing the nation's total infections to 10,752 in 100 days, Yonhap News Agency quoted the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) as saying.

The country reported its first COVID-19 case on January 20.

The nation's death toll from COVID-19 rose by one to 244.

Health authorities, however, warned that the COVID-19 pandemic is still "persisting" in the country amid the rising number of imported cases and concerns over cluster infections.

"We have been able to stem the further spread of the virus on the back of quick and massive testing," Yoon Tae-ho, a health ministry official, said at a daily press briefing.

"But we need to stay alert over another potential wave of infections at any time," he said.

Local health authorities remain vigilant ahead of the upcoming long holiday, when a large number of people are expected to make short domestic trips.

South Korea will celebrate Buddha's Birthday on Thursday, followed by May Day on Friday and Children's Day on May 5, reports Yonhap News Agency.

Authorities have been urging South Koreans to refrain from making group tours during the holiday, saying this week will play a decisive role in paving the way for the country to move on to an "everyday life quarantine" in May.

"We need to keep in mind that even slight carelessness will make our efforts end in vain and lead to another major pandemic," Yoon added.