South Koreans go to the polls wearing masks and plastic gloves in election held amid coronavirus pandemic

South Koreans are today going to the polls in one of the first national elections held amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Voters were told to attend polling stations wearing masks and plastic gloves and were having their temperature taken on arrival.

Anyone whose temperature was higher than 37.5C (99.5 F) is being led to a special booth.

All voters must use hand sanitiser as they cast ballots and maintain one metre (40 inches) distance between each other.

The election is set to decide control of parliament and shape President Moon Jae-in’s ability to push through his agenda in the final two years of his administration.

Globally, South Korea was one of the first countries to hold a national election since the coronavirus epidemic began, while many others postponed votes.

Once grappling with the first large outbreak outside China, South Korea has largely managed to bring its cases under control without major disruptions thanks to a massive testing campaign and intensive contact tracing.

More than 13,000 people in self-quarantine have signed up to vote and will be allowed to do so after other voters leave at 6pm (9pm UK time).

The election campaign has taken on a different look, with candidates wearing masks and bumping fists instead of pressing the flesh and mass rallies

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