[Asia Economy reporters Seo So-jeong and Jo Hyun-ui] The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in South Korea has remained in double digits for the third consecutive day, showing a declining trend.
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in South Korea increased by 61 on the 22nd. The daily new confirmed cases surged to the mid-400s since mid-August when the COVID-19 outbreak centered in the metropolitan area began in earnest, but then slowed down and recorded double digits for the first time on the 20th.
The Central Disease Control Headquarters (CDCH) announced that as of midnight on that day, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases increased by 61, bringing the total confirmed cases to 23,106. Regarding the infection routes of the new confirmed cases, 51 were locally transmitted and 10 were imported cases.
By region, the metropolitan area accounted for a total of 36 cases: Seoul 20, Gyeonggi 14, and Incheon 2. The number of locally transmitted cases in the metropolitan area was 82 on the 18th, 90 on the 19th, 55 on the 20th, and 40 on the 21st, and was recorded as 36 on this day, maintaining double digits for five consecutive days. Outside the metropolitan area, confirmed cases were reported in Busan (5), Gyeongbuk (4), Gangwon and Chungbuk (2 each), and Ulsan and Gyeongnam (1 each).
Major infection cases include a total of 13 confirmed cases related to KT1Q, a telemarketing business in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, as of noon the previous day, and 4 positive cases at the Pohang Semyung Christian Hospital infection case.
The number of imported confirmed cases was 10, down from 15 the previous day. Among them, 2 were identified during the quarantine process upon entry. The rest were 6 in Gyeonggi, and 1 each in Seoul and Sejong, who tested positive while self-isolating at their local residence or temporary living facilities.
Combining local transmission and imported cases (excluding quarantine), 43 cases were reported in the metropolitan area alone: Seoul 21, Gyeonggi 20, and Incheon 2, accounting for 70.5% of the total. Confirmed cases were reported in 10 cities and provinces nationwide. The death toll increased by 3 from the previous day to 388.
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