KCDC: "No Additional Confirmed Cases of Novel Coronavirus... Symptomatic Cases Being Counted" (Update)

Multiple Reports of Symptomatic Individuals Under Investigation

On the 29th, amid growing concerns over the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia), Chinese tourists are lining up to buy masks at a pharmacy on Myeongdong Street in Seoul. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) announced on the 29th that no additional cases of the novel coronavirus (Wuhan pneumonia) have been confirmed.

As of 9 a.m. that day, the number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection in South Korea remains at four, unchanged from the previous day.

However, a large number of symptomatic individuals under investigation have been reported and are currently being tallied. It is analyzed that the surge in reports is due to the government expanding the scope of symptomatic individuals from "visitors to Wuhan City, China" to "visitors to all of China," and broadening the classification criteria from "people with fever and respiratory symptoms" to "all individuals showing pneumonia signs on imaging tests."

The number of symptomatic individuals under investigation the previous day was 112. Among them, 97 tested negative and were released from isolation, while 15 are still undergoing testing.

The KCDC plans to release related statistics around 1 p.m. that day.