COVID-19 Cases Surge to 2,659 by 9 PM, "Approaching Around 3,000 Soon"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Seon-ae]The number of new COVID-19 cases is surging again.

According to the quarantine authorities, Seoul city, and other local governments on the 28th, from midnight to 9 p.m. nationwide, a total of 2,659 new confirmed COVID-19 cases were reported. This is 743 more than the 1,916 cases reported at the same time the previous day. Compared to the mid-day tally of 1,541 cases last Tuesday (September 21), it is 1,118 more.

The 2,659 cases already represent the highest number of Tuesday cases (announced at midnight on Wednesday). The previous record was 2,221 cases on the second Tuesday of last month (August 10, announced at midnight on August 11). Based on the announcement date, this marks the sixth consecutive day of 'highest daily' records since the 24th.

Looking at the regions where cases were reported, the metropolitan area accounted for 2,020 cases (76.0%), and non-metropolitan areas accounted for 639 cases (24.0%).

By city and province, Seoul reported 1,001 cases, Gyeonggi 865, Incheon 154, Daegu 110, Gyeongbuk 88, Gyeongnam 80, Chungbuk 76, Chungnam 68, Busan 50, Jeonbuk 38, Gwangju 28, Daejeon and Ulsan 27 each, Jeonnam 21, Gangwon 19, Jeju 5, and Sejong 2.

New cases were reported in all 17 cities and provinces nationwide.

Since there is still time until midnight when the tally closes, the number of new confirmed cases announced at midnight on the 29th is expected to increase further, likely reaching at least the 2,800 range, and possibly around 3,000.

The previous day saw an increase of 373 cases after 9 p.m., closing at a final count of 2,289 cases.

The fourth wave, which began in early July, has continued for nearly three months without showing signs of abating.

The daily number of confirmed cases has remained in four digits for 84 consecutive days since July 7 (1,211 cases), and the 29th will mark the 85th day.

Looking at the new cases reported over the past week from the 22nd to the 28th, the daily counts were 1,720 → 1,715 → 2,431 → 3,271 → 2,770 → 2,383 → 2,289, with all but two days exceeding 2,000 cases, and some days reaching into the 3,000s.

The average daily number over the week was about 2,368 cases, with locally transmitted cases averaging around 2,345.

Major cluster infection cases continue to emerge linked to various gatherings, nursing homes, workplaces, and other everyday settings.

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