COVID-19 Cases Reach 600s, Highest in 9 Months

Meeting Criteria for Raising Social Distancing to Level 2.5

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jeong] As the number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in South Korea surpassed 600, concerns about a 'third wave' are growing stronger. The 600-level confirmed cases mark the first time in over nine months since the 'first wave' centered around Daegu and Gyeongbuk in February to March.

According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters on the 4th, as of midnight, the number of new domestic COVID-19 cases was 600 locally transmitted and 29 imported. The locally transmitted cases rose by 84 from the previous day (516), reaching the 600 level. This is exactly 276 days since March 3rd (600 cases).

By region, Seoul reported 291 cases, Gyeonggi 155, and Incheon 17, with the metropolitan area totaling 463 cases, accounting for 77.1% of all locally transmitted cases.

Outside the metropolitan area, Busan had the highest number with 31 cases. Other regions reported cases as follows: Chungnam 22, Daejeon 21, Gyeongnam 16, Jeonbuk 13, Gyeongbuk 9, Daegu 6, Ulsan and Chungbuk 5 each, Gangwon and Jeonnam 3 each, Jeju 2, and Gwangju 1, with confirmed cases emerging nationwide.

The daily new confirmed cases had recorded 400 to 500 cases for eight consecutive days since the 26th of last month but jumped to the 600 level on this day. Although the 600-level new cases have not yet reached the highest record of 909 cases during the first wave (February 29), the possibility of surpassing it is being raised considering the rapid spread combined with recent seasonal factors.

Experts have raised their voices that additional social distancing measures should be implemented. This is because the metropolitan area, where the population is dense, has already reported the highest number of confirmed cases, and the government’s criteria for raising the level to 2.5 have also been met.

In the recent week (November 28 to December 4), the average daily new confirmed cases were 503.1, exceeding the 500 level. The key indicator for adjusting distancing levels, the average daily locally transmitted cases, was 477.4, meeting the 2.5-level criteria (nationwide 400 to 500 or more cases or rapid doubling of cases).

Professor Lee Jae-gap of the Department of Infectious Diseases at Hallym University Gangnam Sacred Heart Hospital said, "It is regrettable that despite experts’ early calls for raising the level due to concerns about bed shortages, preemptive measures were not taken," adding, "As the third wave intensifies, additional level upgrades are inevitable."

The Burden of COVID-19
Photo by Yonhap News

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