Newly Confirmed Cases 297, Local Transmission 283 (Update)

On the 18th, as the number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection related to Sarang Jeil Church increases, the resting area at Jangwi Traditional Market in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, has been closed. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in South Korea increased by 297 on the 13th. As confirmed cases related to Sarang Jeil Church in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul surged explosively, the number of locally transmitted cases reached 283.

The Central Disease Control Headquarters (CDCH) announced that as of midnight on that day, the total number of COVID-19 confirmed cases rose by 297 from the previous day to 16,058.

New confirmed cases have been recorded in triple digits daily since the 14th, with a cumulative total of 1,288 cases over six days.

Regarding the infection routes of the new confirmed cases, 283 were locally transmitted and 14 were imported from overseas.

Among the locally transmitted cases, 150 were in Seoul, 94 in Gyeonggi, and 8 in Incheon, totaling 252 in the metropolitan area. Outside the metropolitan area, there were 9 in Busan, 5 in Gangwon, 4 in Gwangju, 3 each in Chungnam and Gyeongbuk, 2 each in Daegu and Jeonnam, and 1 each in Sejong, Chungbuk, and Jeonbuk.

In the metropolitan area, confirmed cases related to Sarang Jeil Church in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul continue to emerge in large numbers daily. According to health authorities, as of noon the previous day, 138 additional confirmed cases related to Sarang Jeil Church were reported, bringing the cumulative total to 457.

The cluster infection at Sarang Jeil Church has further spread to places such as Antioch Church in Nowon-gu, Lotte Home Shopping Media Seoul Center, Nonghyup Card Call Center, K-Kookmin Savings Bank Call Center, Saemaeum Nursing Hospital, and the Elderly Visiting Care Center in Amsa-dong.

Among the 14 imported confirmed cases, 2 were identified during quarantine upon entry. The remaining 12 tested positive while in self-quarantine at their residences or temporary living facilities in Gyeonggi (5), Gwangju (2), Seoul, Sejong, Gangwon, Chungbuk, and Gyeongnam (1 each).

The largest number of imported cases came from the United States with 4, followed by Kazakhstan with 3. Additionally, there was 1 confirmed case each from Uzbekistan, the Philippines, Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, Russia, France, and Spain.

Combining locally transmitted and imported cases (excluding quarantine), Seoul had 151 cases, Gyeonggi 99, and Incheon 8, totaling 258 in the metropolitan area, accounting for 86.9% of the total. Confirmed cases were reported in 14 cities and provinces nationwide.

The number of patients who have been declared recovered and released from isolation reached 14,006, an increase of 72 from the previous day. The death toll remained at 306.

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