COVID-19 New Cases 250,427, Decreased by 9,757 from the Previous Day

On the 14th, a local clinic in Seoul was crowded with visitors seeking COVID-19 rapid antigen tests (RAT) after the policy change that allows a positive RAT result from local clinic experts to be confirmed without a separate PCR test. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-seop] As the COVID-19 Omicron variant continues to spread, more than 250,000 new confirmed cases were reported as of 6 PM on the 14th.

According to Seoul City and local governments, the number of people confirmed with COVID-19 across 17 cities and provinces nationwide was 250,427. This is 9,757 fewer than the 260,184 reported at the same time the previous day. However, compared to a week ago when there were 176,086 cases, it is still 1.4 times higher.

From this day forward, those who test positive on professional rapid antigen tests conducted at local clinics and hospitals are considered confirmed COVID-19 cases. Previously, an additional PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test was required. If many hospitals input COVID-19 information all at once at the end of consultations, there is a possibility that confirmed cases could sharply increase around midnight.

As of 6 PM on this day, new confirmed cases in the metropolitan area were 130,671, accounting for 52.2% of the total. Non-metropolitan areas reported 119,756 cases (47.8%).

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