COVID-19 New Cases 13,296... Over 10,000 for the First Time in 104 Days (Update)

345 Critically Ill Patients Hospitalized... 35 Deaths

On the 8th, the temporary screening clinic set up at Peace Plaza in World Cup Park, Mapo-gu, Seoul, is showing a quiet scene. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-won] The number of new COVID-19 cases in South Korea has dropped to the 10,000 range for the first time in 104 days, showing a clear downward trend.

According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters on the 16th, as of midnight, 13,296 new COVID-19 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 17,795,357.

The number of new cases decreased by 12,138 from the previous day's 25,434, falling into the 10,000 range. This is the first time in 104 days since February 1, when 18,333 new cases were recorded in a single day.

The number of critically ill patients currently hospitalized is 345, maintaining the 300 range for the seventh consecutive day. This is an increase of 7 from the previous day (338). The nationwide critical care bed occupancy rate is 18.3%. In the metropolitan area and non-metropolitan areas, the rates are 16.9% and 21.7%, respectively.

The number of new COVID-19 deaths is 35, bringing the total death toll to 23,744, with a fatality rate of 0.13%.

The number of new patients under home treatment increased by 16,356 the previous day, bringing the current total under home treatment to 202,715. Among them, 14,631 are in the intensive management group receiving health care from medical institutions.

As of midnight, the COVID-19 vaccination rates are 87.8% for the first dose, 86.8% for the second dose, 64.7% for the third dose, and 6.8% for the fourth dose. The fourth dose vaccination rate for the population aged 60 and over is 24.3%.

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