529 New Confirmed Cases by 6 PM, 36 Fewer Than Previous Day... Expected to Reach Mid-to-High 600s Tomorrow

On the 8th, when the number of new COVID-19 cases surged to around 700, citizens are getting tested at the COVID-19 screening clinic set up in Seoul Station Plaza. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] As the spread of COVID-19 continues in South Korea, confirmed cases surged nationwide on the 8th.

According to health authorities and local governments including Seoul City, from midnight to 6 p.m. on that day, a total of 529 new COVID-19 positive cases were reported nationwide. This is 36 fewer than the 565 cases recorded at the same time the previous day. However, the number of new confirmed cases to be announced at midnight on the 9th, when the tally is finalized, is expected to reach the mid-to-high 600s, higher than this figure.

By region, the cases were as follows: Seoul 194, Gyeonggi 152, Busan 46, Incheon 41, Daejeon 18, Chungnam 17, Daegu 14, Jeonbuk 11, Gyeongnam 10, Ulsan 8, Gyeongbuk 7, Chungbuk 4, Gwangju 3, Gangwon 2, and Jeonnam and Jeju with 1 each.

The number of new confirmed cases had fluctuated between 300 and 400 for over a month but recently increased to between 500 and 600, reaching up to 700. From the 2nd to the 8th, the daily new confirmed cases over the past week were 557 → 543 → 543 → 473 → 478 → 668 → 700, averaging 566 cases per day. The daily average of locally transmitted cases, a key indicator for adjusting the 'social distancing' level, was 543.2, exceeding the 2.5 level range (nationwide 400?500 or more).

Major outbreak cases occurred in various places such as churches, daycare centers, and entertainment establishments. A total of 318 confirmed cases were linked to a cluster infection at a Busan entertainment bar. The cluster outbreak related to a sister church circuit meeting accounted for 208 confirmed cases across 13 cities and provinces. The number of confirmed cases related to a daycare center in Michuhol-gu, Incheon, increased to 19.

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