COVID-19 New Cases 3,212...Critical and Severe Patients 508 (Summary)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Third Largest Scale of Confirmed Cases Since COVID-19 Outbreak
Among 3,194 Local Cases, 80.3% in the Capital Area... Cumulative Confirmed Cases Reach 412,311
29 Deaths, Total 3,244

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Yuri] The number of new COVID-19 confirmed cases has exceeded 3,000 for the fourth consecutive day. The number of critically ill patients also rose back to the 500s, recording 508.

On the 20th, the Central Disease Control Headquarters announced that as of midnight, 3,212 new confirmed cases were added, bringing the cumulative total to 412,311. The number of new confirmed cases increased by 178 from the previous day (3,034), surpassing the 3,000 mark for four consecutive days since the 17th (3,187).

Today's number of confirmed cases is the third largest scale since the COVID-19 outbreak. The highest record was 3,292 on the 18th, and the second highest was 3,270 on September 25. Compared to last Friday's confirmed cases (based on the announcement date, the 13th) of 2,324, today's new confirmed cases are 888 more.

Since the transition to phased daily recovery (With Corona) on the 1st, quarantine guidelines have been relaxed, and social activities and gatherings have increased, showing an upward trend in confirmed cases. Entering the winter season, which is favorable for virus activity, and with the college entrance exam (Suneung) ending on the 18th, students have started moving for university-specific exams, raising concerns that the scale of spread could grow even larger. On the 22nd, full attendance for elementary, middle, and high schools will also take place.

The number of critically ill patients is 508, exceeding 500 for the first time in two days since the 18th (506). The highest number of critically ill patients was 522 on the 17th, and from the 18th to the 20th, the numbers were 506, 499, and 508 respectively, hovering around 500.

There were 29 new deaths the previous day, bringing the total to 3,244. Among the deceased, 27 were aged 60 or older, and 2 were in their 50s. The domestic average fatality rate is 0.79%.

Today's new confirmed cases by infection route are 3,194 local cases and 18 imported cases. Among local cases, Seoul reported 1,372, Gyeonggi 988, and Incheon 204, with the capital area totaling 2,564 cases (80.3%), continuing the spread centered in the capital area. Non-capital areas reported a total of 630 cases (19.7%), including Busan 85, Gyeongnam 79, Chungnam 73, Jeonnam 66, Daegu 61, Gangwon 59, Gwangju 39, Gyeongbuk 35, Chungbuk 34, Daejeon and Jeonbuk 32 each, Jeju 23, Sejong 7, and Ulsan 5.

Imported cases numbered 18, five fewer than the previous day (23). Adding local and imported cases (excluding quarantine), the capital area totals 2,574 cases: Seoul 1,377, Gyeonggi 993, and Incheon 204. Confirmed cases were reported in all 17 cities and provinces nationwide.

The number of suspected cases tested at screening clinics the previous day was 55,958, and tests conducted at temporary screening clinics totaled 130,566, making a total of 186,524 tests conducted in one day.

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