23 New COVID-19 Cases... 20s for Two Consecutive Days (Summary)

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] The number of new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) has remained in the 20s for two consecutive days. In Daegu, confirmed cases linked to the Itaewon clubs have emerged, raising concerns about the possibility of local transmission.

The Central Disease Control Headquarters (CDCH) announced that as of midnight, the number of new COVID-19 cases increased by 23 compared to the previous day. This brings the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 11,165.

As infections originating from the Itaewon clubs spread through entertainment venues such as karaoke rooms and bars, tension has heightened. In particular, Daegu, which suffered massive damage due to COVID-19, also reported club-related confirmed cases.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Among the 23 new infections, 19 were domestically transmitted cases. Related to the Itaewon club cluster infection, confirmed cases were found among visitors who attended a first birthday party in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, and patients linked to medical staff at Samsung Seoul Hospital also emerged.

There were 13 cases in Gyeonggi Province, 4 in Seoul, and 1 each in Daegu and Gyeongnam Province. The new confirmed case in Daegu was a teenager and is reported to be a third-generation infection from the Itaewon clubs. Since the Itaewon club-related cases, which mainly occurred in the metropolitan area, have spread to other regions, quarantine authorities are also on high alert.

Of the 4 imported cases, 3 were detected during airport quarantine, and 1 additional case was reported in Daejeon.

The death toll reached 266 as 2 more people died the previous day. The COVID-19 fatality rate is calculated at 2.38%. In particular, the fatality rates are higher among those in their 60s at 2.84%, 70s at 10.86%, and those aged 80 and above at 26.27%.

Meanwhile, quarantine authorities conducted COVID-19 diagnostic tests on 12,002 people the previous day. So far, a total of 814,420 people have been tested.