Around 50 New Patients for Three Consecutive Days... "Positive Sign but Risk of Spread Remains" (Update)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] As the number of new domestic COVID-19 cases remains around 50 for the third consecutive day, the government stated on the 8th that "we consider this a positive sign, but the risk of spread still exists."

Kim Kang-lip, the 1st General Coordinator of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (Vice Minister of Health and Welfare), said at a regular briefing held at the Government Sejong Complex that "if this trend continues, it is assessed that stable treatment for severe patients will be possible." The daily new domestic COVID-19 cases were recorded as 47 on the 6th and the previous day, and 53 on this day.

Coordinator Kim said, "Since the occurrence of patient number 31 on February 18, confirmed cases surged mainly among Shincheonji Daegu Church members, and the infection routes that had gone beyond the quarantine network control are gradually returning within the control range," adding, "The number of patients who have recovered and been released from isolation continues to increase, approaching 6,800."

However, the government emphasized that it is not a situation to be complacent about, as the domestic death toll has reached 200. Coordinator Kim said, "The risk of COVID-19 spread still exists," and "It is very painful and noteworthy for health authorities that the 200th death occurred yesterday and the fatality rate continues to rise."

He added, "Apart from the high recovery rate, COVID-19 is very dangerous for high-risk groups such as the elderly and those with underlying conditions," emphasizing, "Especially since the mortality rate for those aged 80 and above exceeds 20%, minimizing their damage and deaths is an important task in the fight against COVID-19."