COVID-19 New Cases Surpass 600... Impact on Suneung Exam Variables

On the afternoon of the 3rd, students who finished the 2021 College Scholastic Ability Test are coming out of Gyeongbok High School in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Seul-gi] As new clusters of COVID-19 infections continue to emerge daily in South Korea, there are concerns that a large number of students finishing the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT, Suneung) could lead to new variables in the future COVID-19 situation.

According to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) on the 4th, as of midnight the previous day, there were 540 new confirmed cases. Daily new cases had remained in the 500s for three consecutive days starting from the 26th of last month, then briefly dropped to the 400s for three days, but have now risen back to the 500s.

The new confirmed cases to be announced this morning are also expected to be at least in the mid-500s.

The number of new confirmed cases aggregated by the quarantine authorities, Seoul city, and other local governments from midnight to 6 p.m. the previous day was 381, which is 21 more than the previous day (360 cases).

Considering that the confirmed cases as of midnight reached 540, which is 180 more than the 6 p.m. interim count the previous day, the number of new confirmed cases today is expected to be at least in the mid-500s and could be around 600 at most.

In response, the quarantine authorities are urging students who have finished the CSAT and their families to refrain from dining out and gatherings, keeping in mind the possibility of a large number of students going out.

Lee Sang-won, head of the Epidemiological Investigation and Analysis Team at CDSCH, said at a briefing that "Considering the hard time students have spent studying, I want to tell them to shake off the pressure and enjoy themselves today, but unfortunately, the current situation does not allow that."

He added, "Since the admission process continues even after the CSAT, more efforts from society are needed so that the hard work of the students is not in vain," and requested, "Please refrain from unnecessary gatherings as much as possible."

Son Young-rae, head of the Strategic Planning Division at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters, also asked, "Given the serious COVID-19 situation in the metropolitan area, please avoid gatherings with friends or long conversations in enclosed restaurants or cafes after the CSAT."

Son added, "Not only the students who finished the CSAT but also parents might plan family dining out on days like today, but please keep in mind that enclosed environments are risky and refrain from going out."

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