On the First Day of Eased Social Distancing, New Confirmed Cases Near 100... Impact of Sporadic Cluster Infections (Update)

COVID-19 Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, Domestic Status as of 12th 0:00
68 Domestic Infections, 29 Imported Cases... Daycare Centers and Korean Language Training, etc.

On the 12th, when the social distancing level was eased to Level 1 and large academies resumed operations, a notice related to COVID-19 prevention was posted at Jongno Academy Gangnam Main Branch in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. With the easing measures implemented from this day, 'high-risk facilities' such as entertainment bars, karaoke rooms, large academies, and buffet restaurants in the metropolitan area, which had been restricted from operating, are reopening. However, in the metropolitan area, gatherings and events with more than 50 people indoors or 100 people outdoors are still discouraged, and some facilities are required to comply with core quarantine rules, maintaining measures equivalent to Level 2 in part. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] On the 12th, the newly confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) were counted at 97. After maintaining double digits in the 50 to 70 range since the 8th, the number slightly increased, approaching 100. Considering that diagnostic testing usually decreases over the weekend, resulting in fewer new confirmed cases, this trend goes against the previous downward trajectory.

According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters, as of midnight on this day, 68 cases were estimated to be domestic infections, and 29 were imported cases. By region, the majority were in the Seoul metropolitan area with 63 cases, and Daejeon had a notably high number with 13 cases. Many cases emerged as infections spread from family gatherings during the Chuseok holiday to daycare centers. Additionally, 4 new cases were reported in Busan (including 1 imported), 2 each in Chungnam and Jeonbuk, and 1 each in Gwangju, Gangwon, Gyeongbuk, and Gyeongnam.

The 29 imported cases represent the highest number in two and a half months since July 29 (34 cases). This includes a cluster infection involving 11 Nepalese who entered Goyang, Gyeonggi Province for language training and were collectively confirmed positive. Other confirmed cases were among arrivals from India (4), Uzbekistan (3), the Philippines and the United States (2 each). Nine cases were detected during quarantine, while the remaining 20 were confirmed within the community. Among them, 5 were Korean nationals and 24 were foreigners.

On the 12th, the phrase "Thank you all for overcoming COVID-19 together!" was inscribed at Seoul Plaza. On the 11th, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that it will carry out the campaign "Thank You!" to comfort citizens exhausted by the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic and to express gratitude and support to citizens actively participating in the guidelines of the government and local authorities. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

Weekend Reduction in Diagnostic Testing Disrupts Early Week Decline Pattern
Health Authorities Concerned About Loosening Social Distancing After Step 1 Downgrade

With social distancing downgraded to Level 1 starting today, the near 100 new confirmed cases have deepened the concerns of health authorities. Typically, private diagnostic testing centers close over the weekend, resulting in testing volumes at about half the usual level. On the 10th, 5,799 tests were conducted, and on the 11th, 5,127 tests. During weekdays last week, over 10,000 tests were performed daily.

As testing decreased, new confirmed cases tended to decline accordingly, but this time the number nearly doubled compared to the previous day. Although this is partly due to a one-time cluster outbreak, considering the incubation period still remains during the Chuseok holiday and the constant possibility of imported cases, the situation is challenging. The downgrade to Level 1 raises concerns that social distancing among the general public may become lax.

Park Neung-hoo, the first head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, said before the meeting, "Sporadic cluster infections are occurring in several regions," and added, "We need to observe a bit longer to see how the effects of the Chuseok and October holidays will manifest."

Meanwhile, the number of patients in severe or critical condition was 87, down by 2 from the previous day. One person died, bringing the total domestic death toll to 433. Thirty-six patients were released from isolation the previous day, and the number of patients currently undergoing isolation treatment slightly increased to 1,541.

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