Government: "Infection Reproduction Number Exceeds 1 Again... All Indicators Are Poor, We Must Stay Alert" (Comprehensive)

428 Domestic Cases Reported in the Past Week... Concerns Over Resurgence

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jeong] The average number of domestically occurring COVID-19 cases over the past week has risen sharply to 428, showing signs of a resurgence. The nationwide infection reproduction number has also risen above 1 again, prompting the government to urge vigilance.

Son Young-rae, head of the Social Strategy Division at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, stated at the regular briefing on March 14, "The daily average number of domestic cases over the past week (March 7?13) was 428, about a 15% increase from the previous week's 372 cases," adding, "Compared to the previous two weeks when the number remained in the high 300s, last week showed a trend of increasing spread."

Son expressed concern, saying, "The nationwide infection reproduction number was 1.07 last week, up from 0.94 the week before, indicating a value above 1. Regionally, while the number of cases in the Seoul metropolitan area remains high, cases are also increasing in non-metropolitan areas."

The infection reproduction number indicates how many people one infected person transmits the virus to; a value above 1 means the epidemic is spreading.

Last week, the Seoul metropolitan area reported an average of 314 cases per day, accounting for 73% of total cases. Non-metropolitan areas saw a significant increase to 114 daily cases, up from 77 the previous week.

In particular, the number of cases in the Busan and Gyeongnam regions approximately doubled. This was due to cluster infections at saunas in Ulsan and Jinju, as well as outbreaks among the Busan stevedores' union and fish markets.

Son emphasized, "Considering all indicators, the third wave, which had maintained 300?400 cases over the past eight weeks, is showing signs of spreading again. All indicators, including case numbers, infection reproduction number, and epidemic patterns, are moving in an unfavorable direction, so it is necessary to remain vigilant once again."

The government expressed concern that fatigue from prolonged social distancing and partial easing of quarantine measures such as extended business hours have led to increased movement through gatherings and use of multi-use facilities.

Son added, "Factors such as school openings and spring activities will continue to increase movement, which is quite worrisome. We ask everyone to be especially careful with quarantine management in all daily activities, including work and leisure, to prevent another resurgence of COVID-19."

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