New COVID-19 Cases in Four Digits for 59 Consecutive Days... Social Distancing Extended for One Month, Gatherings Limited to 6 People (Update)

Local Cases 1,675, Imported Cases 34

On the 29th, when 1,619 new COVID-19 cases were reported and the 4th wave continued, the area near Hongdae Entrance Station in Mapo-gu, Seoul, was crowded with citizens visiting the area. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] The number of new COVID-19 cases in South Korea has remained in the four-digit range for nearly two months.

According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters, as of midnight on the 3rd, the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases increased by 1,709 from the previous day, reaching a total of 257,110. Although the daily new cases fell below 2,000 for the second consecutive day, the four-digit daily new case count has continued for 59 days. Of the infection routes, 1,675 were local transmissions and 34 were imported cases.

In the metropolitan area, local cases were recorded as 540 in Seoul, 513 in Gyeonggi, and 115 in Incheon, totaling 1,168 cases. The metropolitan area accounts for 69.7% of the total cases. In non-metropolitan areas, the cases were 77 in Chungnam, 58 in Busan, 52 in Daegu, 49 in Gyeongnam, 45 in Gyeongbuk and Daejeon, 41 in Gwangju, 35 in Ulsan, 30 in Chungbuk, 28 in Jeonbuk, 18 in Gangwon, 15 in Jeonnam, 10 in Jeju, and 4 in Sejong.

The total number of tests conducted the previous day exceeded 170,000. At temporary screening clinics set up in the metropolitan area, 97,447 tests were conducted, confirming 318 positive cases, while in non-metropolitan temporary screening clinics, 15,983 tests were conducted with 65 positive cases confirmed.

The number of critically ill patients decreased by 4 from the previous day to 367. The cumulative death toll increased by 5 to 2,308.

The government has decided to extend the current social distancing measures?level 4 in the metropolitan area and level 3 in non-metropolitan areas?by one month until the 3rd of next month. However, starting from the 6th, the operating hours for restaurants and cafes in level 4 areas will be extended by one hour from 9 PM to 10 PM, and the allowed number of private gatherings will increase from 4 to 6 people, including those who have completed vaccination. Specifically, during daytime hours, gatherings of up to 6 people including 2 vaccinated individuals are allowed, and after 6 PM, gatherings of up to 6 people including 4 vaccinated individuals are permitted. In level 3 areas, multi-use facilities can host gatherings of up to 8 people including 4 vaccinated individuals. Additionally, during the Chuseok holiday week, family gatherings of up to 8 people including 4 vaccinated individuals are allowed.

Meanwhile, according to the COVID-19 Vaccination Response Promotion Team, 185,574 people received their first vaccine dose the previous day. The cumulative number of first-dose recipients reached 29,644,464, with a first-dose vaccination rate of 57.7%. Among them, 498,924 people completed their vaccination, bringing the total number of fully vaccinated individuals to 16,783,832, representing a full vaccination rate of 32.7% of the population.

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