Seoul Bed Shortage Concerns...First Death of a Patient in Their 60s Waiting (Update)
On the 17th, as the third wave of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) continued, citizens lined up in a long queue at the temporary screening clinic near Sogang University Station in Mapo-gu, Seoul. Kim Woo-young, Deputy Mayor for Political Affairs of Seoul, announced that 423 new COVID-19 cases were confirmed in Seoul on the 16th, the highest number recorded in a single day so far. The previous record for the highest daily cases in Seoul was 399 on the 12th.
/Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] The shortage of treatment beds for the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is beginning. For the first time, a person in their 60s who tested positive for COVID-19 in Seoul died while waiting for a bed assignment.
On the 17th, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced, "A resident in their 60s with underlying health conditions who tested positive for COVID-19 on the 12th died on the 15th while waiting for a bed assignment."
The number of new COVID-19 cases reported in Seoul on the 16th was 423, setting a new daily record.
As of midnight on the 17th, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Seoul was 13,458, with 5,412 patients currently in isolation and treatment. Additionally, 7,921 patients have been declared recovered and discharged, and 125 have died.
Meanwhile, as of 8 p.m. on the 16th, the bed occupancy rate at Seoul's infectious disease dedicated hospitals was 86.1%. There are a total of 80 beds dedicated to severe patients in Seoul, with 79 beds currently in use, leaving only one bed available for admission.
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There are 9 residential treatment centers with a total of 1,929 beds, of which 159 beds are immediately available. In response, the city stated, "Starting with the Red Cross Hospital on the 21st, we plan to designate 5 additional infectious disease dedicated hospitals by the end of the year to secure 278 beds." They also added, "We will gradually secure a total of 18 beds at 6 tertiary general hospitals, including 2 beds for severe patients this week."
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