South Korea on Tuesday declared itself out of danger from Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). The country gave this statement nearly two months after the first case was reported and spread killed nearly 36 people.

Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn while addressing to the country on Tuesday said in a statement that the public can now be free from worries related to MERS infections. The number of MERS infections has remained flat at 186 for the past 23 days and that of people in isolation dropping to zero.

"After weighing various circumstances, the medical personnel and the government believe that the people now do not need to worry about the disease spreading", he said.

So far, no official end to the outbreak is declared, but it is expected to end until late next month. The World Health Organization recommends that governments not make such an announcement until 28 days after the final patient tests negative.

With more than 16,000 people quarantined at some point and 98 hospitals partly or entirely shut down, the outbreak was the gravest health challenge Korea has faced in recent memory. MERS has killed 36 Koreans over the past two months.

PM also apologized for the government's much-criticized handling of the virus since the first case was diagnosed in May. He said he is very sorry for causing worries and discomfort to the public.

The government will continue to take necessary measures, including taking care of the remaining patients and tightening quarantine inspections of all travelers coming here, he said.

Hwang also vowed to swiftly execute a portion of a supplementary budget of 11.6 trillion won ($9.9 billion) for hospitals and those who were affected financially by MERS.