"Highest Death Toll Since 4th Wave: 20 Dead... Authorities Warn 'Deaths May Increase' (Update)"

"Overall Death Toll Trend Is Rising"

On the 25th, when 2,155 new COVID-19 cases were reported, marking the second highest number ever, citizens visiting the temporary screening clinic set up at Seoul Station Plaza are waiting to get tested. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] On the 26th, as the highest number of COVID-19 deaths occurred since the 4th wave of the domestic COVID-19 outbreak, health authorities stated, "The trend of deaths will increase starting this week."

Son Young-rae, head of the Social Strategy Division at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, said at the COVID-19 back briefing that "It is more important to look at the overall trend rather than daily occurrences of deaths," adding, "Currently, the trend shows an increase in deaths." Son explained, "As the total number of COVID-19 infections increases, critically ill patients also increase consecutively, and after a certain time lag, the number of deaths rises."

According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters, as of midnight on that day, the number of deaths due to COVID-19 infection increased by 20 in one day. This is the highest number since the 4th wave began in earnest last July.

Son said, "It is difficult to predict whether daily deaths will exceed 20," but added, "However, since critically ill patients exceeding 400 have occurred since last week, the number of deaths is expected to steadily increase."

While the number of confirmed cases remains around 2,000 daily and critically ill patients are also increasing, authorities explained that there is currently no problem with the hospital bed system. Son stated, "In a situation where daily confirmed cases fluctuate between 1,500 and 2,000, medical response capacity is being maintained and can respond without issues."

He added, "There may be temporary shortages of beds in certain regions, but overall there is no major problem," and cautioned, "However, if cases consistently exceed 2,500, the medical system could face difficulties."

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