Below 200 New Confirmed Cases After 17 Days...

195 New COVID-19 Cases Yesterday... Analysis of Social Distancing Level 2.5 Effectiveness

On the 3rd, a mask-shaped cover was placed on the 'I·SEOUL·U' promotional sculpture installed at Seoul Plaza as part of a campaign to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). / Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] On the 3rd, the newly confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) were counted at 195. This is the first time in 17 days since the 17th of last month (197 cases) that the daily new cases have fallen below 200. It is analyzed that the strong social distancing at level 2.5 implemented over the past weekend is showing its effect.

According to the announcement by the quarantine authorities on this day, most of the confirmed cases occurred in the metropolitan area. The domestic cases in Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi Province totaled 148, accounting for 76% of all confirmed cases. In other cities and provinces, the number of new confirmed cases was in single digits, and some local governments such as Jeonbuk and Sejong have had no new confirmed cases for several days. However, a cluster infection was confirmed at a kimchi factory in Chungnam in the morning, and so far about 20 people have been diagnosed positive, indicating that the possibility of cluster outbreaks involving dozens of people anytime and anywhere still remains.

The number of critically ill and severe patients is rapidly increasing. Just yesterday, 31 more patients were added, bringing the total to 154 in critical or severe condition. This is the highest level since COVID-19 cases first occurred in the country. Since mid-last month, the outbreak centered around churches in the metropolitan area has involved many elderly patients, so this number is likely to increase further. Three people died the previous day, raising the total domestic death toll to 329. The recent two-week death toll reached 22, heightening concerns about casualties.

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