1042 New COVID-19 Cases Nationwide by 6 PM... 19 Fewer Than Previous Day (Comprehensive)

On the 18th, when the large-scale spread of COVID-19 continued domestically, citizens lined up in a long queue at the temporary screening clinic at Seoul Station to get tested. According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters, as of midnight on that day, the number of new confirmed cases increased by 1,454, marking the highest figure for a weekend. The number has recorded four digits for 12 consecutive days since the 7th, starting from 1,212. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] Due to the impact of the COVID-19 '4th wave,' confirmed cases surged nationwide.

According to the quarantine authorities, Seoul city, and other local governments on the 18th, from midnight to 6 p.m. that day, a total of 1,042 new COVID-19 positive cases were recorded nationwide. This is 19 fewer than the 1,061 cases recorded at the same time the previous day.

The decrease in testing during the weekend and holidays was reflected, resulting in slightly fewer cases in the mid-day tally compared to weekdays last week.

The mid-day tally of confirmed cases at 6 p.m. showed daily numbers of 1,006 on the 6th when it first exceeded 1,000, followed by 1,010 → 1,039 → 1,050 → 922 → 921 → 903 → 1,288 → 1,263 → 1,192 → 1,143 → 1,061 → 1,042.

Looking at the regions where confirmed cases were reported after midnight that day, the metropolitan area accounted for 740 cases (71.0%), and non-metropolitan areas accounted for 302 cases (29.0%).

By city and province, confirmed cases were recorded as follows: Seoul 372, Gyeonggi 307, Busan 64, Incheon and Gyeongnam 61 each, Daejeon 43, Daegu 33, Gangwon 23, Chungnam 20, Gyeongbuk 16, Gwangju 10, Jeonnam and Jeju 9 each, Jeonbuk 8, Ulsan and Chungbuk 3 each. Among the 17 cities and provinces nationwide, Sejong has yet to report any confirmed cases.

Since there is still time until midnight when the tally closes, the number of new confirmed cases announced at midnight on the 19th is expected to increase further to the 1,300 range. The previous day saw an increase of 393 cases after 6 p.m., reaching a final total of 1,454.

As the 4th wave has intensified recently, the number of new confirmed cases has remained in the four digits for 12 consecutive days, and the 19th marks the 13th day. Looking at the daily new confirmed cases over the past week from the 12th to the 18th, the numbers were 1,100 → 1,150 → 1,614 → 1,599 → 1,536 → 1,452 → 1,454, averaging about 1,415 cases per day. Excluding imported cases, the average daily number of locally transmitted cases is approximately 1,366.

Regarding major cluster outbreaks, additional infections continued in various everyday settings such as saunas, gatherings of acquaintances, and sports facilities. In the metropolitan area, related to a sauna in Gwanak-gu, Seoul, since one employee was first confirmed positive on the 11th, a total of 101 people have tested positive.

In Yongin-si, Gyeonggi, related to acquaintances and sports facilities, a total of 22 people were confirmed. In a board game cafe in Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi, after the first confirmed case on the 9th, a total of 14 infections occurred. In non-metropolitan areas, related to a pub in Jinju-si, Gyeongnam, 30 people have tested positive since the 12th.

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