74,402 New Confirmed Cases... 429 Imported Cases 'Record High' (Update)

96 Severe COVID-19 Patients Hospitalized... 12 Deaths Reported

On the 13th, the COVID-19 testing center at Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 was crowded with overseas arrivals. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-won] As the number of new domestic COVID-19 cases remained in the 70,000 range for the second consecutive day, the number of imported cases reached an all-time high.

According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters on the 20th, as of midnight, 76,402 new COVID-19 cases were added, bringing the total cumulative cases to 18,937,971.

Among them, the number of imported cases was 429, the highest since COVID-19 first appeared in Korea in January 2020. Imported cases have a higher variant share, including BA.5, compared to domestic cases.

The daily new cases remained at around 70,000 for the second day, maintaining a 'doubling' phenomenon with about twice the number compared to the previous week. This is approximately 1.89 times the 40,252 new cases reported on the 13th, a week ago. It increased by 2,820 compared to the previous day.

The number of critically ill patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 is 96, an increase of 5 from the previous day. The nationwide critical care bed occupancy rate is 16.4%, with 14.9% in the metropolitan area. The occupancy rate in non-metropolitan areas rose to 20.9%, surpassing 20% for the first time since May 26.

The number of new deaths was recorded at 12. By age group, 10 were aged 80 or older, and one each in their 60s and 70s. The cumulative death toll is 24,777, with a fatality rate of 0.13%.

With 74,341 new patients added to home treatment the previous day, the total number of patients currently under home treatment is 269,177. The intensive care group receiving health management from medical institutions is 10,101.

As of midnight, the fourth dose vaccination rate for those in their 50s eligible for vaccination is 2.1%. The fourth dose vaccination rate for immunocompromised individuals under 50, and patients, residents, and workers in nursing hospitals and facilities is 21.0%.

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