"Over 300 New COVID-19 Cases for Second Day: 332 Confirmed... Simultaneous Occurrence in 17 Cities and Provinces (Comprehensive)"

332 New COVID-19 Cases Raise Total to 17,002
315 Domestic, 17 Imported... 239 Cases in Seoul Metropolitan Area Including 127 in Seoul
Prime Minister Jeong Discusses Nationwide Expansion of Social Distancing Level 2 Measures

Medical staff, suffering from the double burden of the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and heatwaves, are cooling down with the air conditioner breeze at a screening clinic in Seoul on the 20th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Yuri] As the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in South Korea extends to all 17 cities and provinces nationwide, the number of new confirmed cases recorded the 300s for two consecutive days on the 22nd. The 332 new confirmed cases on this day increased by 8 from the previous day, marking the highest number since March 8 (total new cases 367, local transmission 366). Notably, this is the first time since the first COVID-19 case was confirmed in South Korea on January 20 that new cases have simultaneously occurred across all 17 cities and provinces.

The Central Disease Control Headquarters (CDCH) announced that as of midnight on this day, 332 new COVID-19 cases were confirmed domestically, bringing the total to 17,002 (including 2,716 imported cases). The daily new cases have remained in the triple digits for nine consecutive days, recording 103, 166, 279, 197, 246, 297, 288, 324, and 332 cases from the 14th onward. The total number of confirmed cases over these nine days is 2,232.

Of the new confirmed cases, 315 were locally transmitted and 17 were imported. By region, 127 cases were reported in Seoul, 91 in Gyeonggi, and 21 in Incheon, totaling 239 cases in the metropolitan area. Additionally, 16 cases were reported in Gangwon, 9 each in Daegu and Gwangju, 8 in Gyeongnam, 7 in Jeonnam, 6 in Chungnam, 4 each in Gyeongbuk, Daejeon, and Jeonbuk, 3 in Busan, 2 each in Jeju and Chungbuk, and 1 each in Ulsan and Sejong, with confirmed cases simultaneously occurring across all 17 cities and provinces.

Regarding specific infection cases, new infections are spreading widely while confirmed cases continue to emerge from existing cluster groups such as Sarang Jeil Church. According to the CDCH, as of noon the previous day, the cumulative number of confirmed cases related to Sarang Jeil Church rose to 723, including 100 secondary infections originating from the church. Confirmed cases related to the August 15 Gwanghwamun rally increased to 71. Other clusters with increasing confirmed cases include Uri Jeil Church in Yongin, Gyeonggi (174 cases), Yeolmaemaneun Church in Namdong-gu, Incheon (17 cases), and Yoido Full Gospel Church in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (20 cases).

The COVID-19 spread is also extending to the performing arts sector, summer vacations, the National Police Agency, courts, and subway stations. Since the first confirmed case at the theater group 'San' in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul on the 19th, 17 cases have been confirmed as of noon the previous day. Additionally, 17 cases were confirmed related to a class reunion trip to Sokcho, Gangwon Province, held on the 9th and 10th of this month.

Among the 17 imported cases, 4 were identified during quarantine upon entry. The remaining 13 tested positive while in self-quarantine at their residences or temporary living facilities in regions including Gyeonggi (4 cases), Gwangju and Ulsan (2 cases each), and Seoul, Incheon, Daejeon, Chungnam, and Gyeongnam (1 case each). Combining local transmission and imported cases excluding quarantine, the metropolitan area reported 128 cases in Seoul, 95 in Gyeonggi, and 22 in Incheon, totaling 245 cases, which accounts for about 74% of the total.

As of midnight on this day, 49 new patients were released from isolation, bringing the total number of recovered patients to 14,169 (83.33%). Currently, 2,524 patients remain in isolation. There are 25 patients in severe or critical condition, and no new deaths were reported, keeping the cumulative death toll at 309 (fatality rate 1.82%).

The government is discussing expanding social distancing level 2 nationwide. Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun stated at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters meeting held at the Government Seoul Office, "In this serious crisis situation, we are discussing expanding social distancing level 2 nationwide." He emphasized, "Special measures are needed to curb the rapid spread of COVID-19 even in regions outside the metropolitan area."

Prime Minister Chung added, "Enhanced quarantine measures will cause significant inconvenience to the daily lives of the public. However, if the current spread continues and social distancing is raised to level 3, it will cause tremendous damage to the economy and people's livelihoods." He continued, "We ask for the public's patience and cooperation," and added, "If the public and government unite, we can surely overcome the current crisis."

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