20 Additional Variant Virus Infections Confirmed...Total 182 Cases (Update)

16 Cases of UK Variant and 3 Cases of South Africa Variant Confirmed

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] Twenty additional domestic COVID-19 variant virus infections have been confirmed, bringing the total to 182.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency's Central Disease Control Headquarters stated in a regular COVID-19 briefing on the 8th, "Since the 4th, variant virus analysis has been conducted on a total of 248 cases. Among the 222 cases that occurred domestically, variants were confirmed in 9 cases," adding, "For imported cases, tests were conducted on a total of 26 cases, and variants were confirmed in 11 of these."

Among the 20 additional cases, 16 are variants originating from the United Kingdom. Of these, 6 cases are domestic and 10 are imported. Three cases of the South African variant were all confirmed domestically. One case of the Brazilian variant was also confirmed as an imported case.

Among the imported cases, 2 were confirmed at the quarantine stage, and the remaining 9 were confirmed through tests conducted during self-quarantine after entry. All 9 domestic infections are Korean nationals and are related to 5 cluster cases. As part of strengthened community surveillance, variant virus tests confirmed 6 UK variants and 3 South African variants.

Accordingly, since October of last year, a total of 182 variant virus cases have been confirmed domestically. The UK variant accounts for the largest proportion with 154 cases.

The quarantine authorities stated, "We are continuously expanding surveillance and analysis of variant viruses, including strengthening quarantine measures for overseas entrants," and reiterated, "Especially, those subject to self-quarantine upon entry from abroad and their cohabiting family members must strictly adhere to self-quarantine guidelines until the quarantine period is lifted."

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