1050 Cases by 6 PM... COVID-19 New Infections Expected to Approach 1300 Range

The number of new COVID-19 cases has been breaking record highs day after day. The government has decided to implement a new Level 4 social distancing measure in the metropolitan area for two weeks starting from the 12th, including a strict quarantine measure allowing gatherings of only up to two people after 6 p.m. On the 9th, citizens are waiting to get tested at a temporary screening clinic set up at Seoul Station. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Seungjin Lee] As the spread of COVID-19 intensifies, the number of confirmed cases has exceeded 1,000 for four consecutive days.

According to the quarantine authorities, Seoul city, and other local governments on the 9th, from midnight to 6 p.m. nationwide, the number of new confirmed COVID-19 cases was counted at 1,050, which is 11 more than the same time the previous day.

Since there is still time until midnight when the tally closes, the number of new confirmed cases announced as of 0:00 on the 10th is expected to increase further, reaching the 1,200 range, possibly around 1,300.

Looking at the regions where new confirmed cases occurred after midnight, the metropolitan area accounted for 820 cases (78.1%), and non-metropolitan areas accounted for 230 cases (21.9%).

By city and province, Seoul reported 413 cases, Gyeonggi 337, Incheon 70, Busan 57, Gyeongnam 30, Daejeon 22, Chungnam 20, Chungbuk 19, Gwangju 16, Gangwon 14, Ulsan and Gyeongbuk each 13, Daegu 12, Jeju 8, Jeonbuk 5, and Jeonnam 1.

With confirmed cases pouring in mainly in the metropolitan area, the number of new confirmed cases is setting daily records. Among the 17 cities and provinces nationwide, Sejong has yet to report any confirmed cases.

New confirmed cases in the metropolitan area have remained in the 900s for three consecutive days since the 7th (990 → 994 → 963), and the weekly average daily confirmed cases in Seoul reached 410, entering the 'Social Distancing' Level 4 range (389 or more) for the first time.

Looking at major cluster infection cases, the number of confirmed cases related to the Hyundai Department Store Trade Center branch in Seoul (Gangnam-gu workplace 23rd case) increased by 15, reaching a total of 91 as of midnight. Among the confirmed cases, 76 are employees, making up the majority, but 6 visitors have also tested positive.

Additionally, in the metropolitan area, infection cases have continued at places such as a performance hall in Jongno-gu (cumulative 22 cases), a restaurant in Yeongdeungpo-gu (35 cases), an acting academy in Gangnam-gu (21 cases), an elementary school in Michuhol-gu, Incheon (41 cases), and a daycare center in Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi (19 cases).

Regarding the Army Training Center in Nonsan-si, Chungnam, 77 trainees have tested positive, and an epidemiological investigation is underway.

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