A number of countries across the Asia Pacific region are once again on high alert as coronavirus cases continue to rise.

South Korea posted its second-highest daily number of cases on Saturday (December 26) as outbreaks at a prison, nursing homes and churches continued to grow, prompting authorities to call for a halt to all year-end gatherings.

Coronavirus infections in Tokyo also hit a record daily high of 949 cases on Saturday as Japan heads into the New Year holiday.

While in Sydney, shoppers were urged to shop online to avoid holiday sales crowds.