"Doubling for 3 Weeks" ... At This Rate, 140,000 Cases Next Week

Newly Confirmed Cases Increase by 73,582
Rebound Faster Than Expected

On the 19th, when the number of new COVID-19 cases surged to over 70,000 at once, signaling the start of a new wave, commuters wearing masks were moving through Gwanghwamun Station in the Seoul subway during the morning rush hour. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

The number of new daily COVID-19 cases has surged past 70,000. The 'doubling' phenomenon, where the number of cases doubles compared to the same day a week earlier, continues, pushing the outbreak toward its peak faster than expected.

According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters on the 19th, as of midnight, the daily number of confirmed cases increased by 73,582 from the previous day. The new cases on this day more than tripled from 26,299 the day before, which reflected the weekend effect. Compared to 37,347 cases on the 12th, a week ago, it increased by 1.97 times, and compared to 18,136 cases two weeks ago on the 5th, it rose by 4.06 times.

If the weekly doubling trend continues, the number of confirmed cases on the 26th could reach 140,000, double today's figure of around 70,000, and by the 2nd of next month, two weeks later, it could approach 280,000.

Professor Eom Jung-sik of the Department of Infectious Diseases at Gachon University Gil Medical Center said, "Initially, we predicted the peak to be around mid to late September with daily cases between 150,000 and 200,000, but with the introduction of the BA.5 variant, the resurgence is very steep and increasing significantly. At present, I believe daily cases could reach 250,000 to 300,000."

In preparation for the resurgence, the health authorities expanded the eligibility for the fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose starting the day before to include people in their 50s, individuals aged 18 and older with underlying conditions, and residents of facilities for the disabled and homeless. Additionally, from this day, the COVID-19 Vaccination Injury Compensation Support Center was opened, increasing medical expense support for suspected vaccine-related illnesses from 30 million KRW to 50 million KRW, and raising the death condolence payment from 50 million KRW to 100 million KRW.

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