60 New COVID-19 Cases for Second Day... Simultaneous Spread from Local and Overseas Sources (Summary)

An elementary school student who had contact with a confirmed case is being tested at the COVID-19 screening clinic set up at Dong-gu Public Health Center in Gao-dong, Dong-gu, Daejeon.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chun-hee] As the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) continues, the number of daily new confirmed cases in South Korea has recorded the 60s for two consecutive days.

On the 4th, the Central Disease Control Headquarters announced that as of midnight, 63 new COVID-19 cases were confirmed, bringing the total to 13,030. This is the same number of daily new cases as the previous day. By infection route, 36 cases were locally transmitted and 27 were imported. Compared to the previous day, local transmissions (52 cases) decreased by 16, but imported cases (11 cases) increased by 16.

By region, Gyeonggi reported 15 cases, Seoul 6 cases, adding up to 21 new cases in the metropolitan area. Gwangju had 8 cases, Daejeon 3, Chungbuk 2, and Daegu and Gyeongbuk each had 1 case.

In the metropolitan area, confirmed cases continue to steadily increase centered around existing cluster infections such as churches and door-to-door sales businesses, while sporadic infections are also occurring. In Jangam Apartment in Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi, a fourth-generation infection occurred, resulting in a total of 22 confirmed cases including apartment residents and gym users. In Gwangju, the cluster infection that started at Gwangneuksa Temple has spread to officetels, churches, and nursing homes, increasing the cumulative confirmed cases to 57 as of noon the previous day.

The 27 imported cases recorded on this day are the highest number in 11 days since 30 cases on the 23rd of last month. Also, for nine consecutive days since the 26th of last month, double-digit imported cases have been reported. Among the 27 imported cases, 18 were identified during quarantine upon entry. The others include 4 in Gyeonggi, 2 in Incheon, 1 in Seoul, 1 in Busan, and 1 in Gyeongnam, who were confirmed positive while self-isolating at home or facilities after entry.

One additional death was reported, bringing the total to 283. The current average fatality rate of COVID-19 in South Korea is about 2.17%. While the fatality rate is below 1% for those under their 50s, it rises sharply with age: 2.40% for those in their 60s, 9.43% for those in their 70s, and 24.82% for those aged 80 and above.

The number of confirmed cases currently receiving isolation treatment increased by 10 to a total of 936. By region, 242 are in Seoul, 244 in Gyeonggi, and 28 in Incheon, with a total of 514 patients in isolation in the metropolitan area, accounting for more than half (54.9%).

The number of confirmed cases released from isolation as of midnight increased by 52 to 11,811.

So far, a total of 1,319,523 people have been tested for COVID-19. Among them, 1,284,172 tested negative, and the remaining 22,321 are awaiting results.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.