New COVID-19 Cases at 271... 206 Cases in the Capital Area Only (Update)

Gang Do-tae "Remote Work and Virtual Meetings Should Become Routine in All Workplaces"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jeong] On the 23rd, the newly confirmed domestic cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) reached 271, approaching the 300 mark. Although the increasing trend, which had recorded over 300 cases for five consecutive days until the previous day, slightly declined, the situation cannot be considered safe given the significant decrease in diagnostic testing over the weekend.

According to the domestic status compiled by the Central Disease Control Headquarters as of midnight on the same day, 255 cases are estimated to be domestic infections, and 16 cases are imported from overseas.

By region, the Seoul metropolitan area accounted for the majority with 206 cases: Seoul 109, Gyeonggi 74, and Incheon 23. As the spread in the metropolitan area intensified, the health authorities decided to raise the 'social distancing' to level 2 starting from midnight on the 24th.

Outside the metropolitan area, Gangwon had the highest number with 11 cases, followed by Jeonbuk 9, Chungnam 8, Jeonnam 5, Busan 4, Gyeongbuk 4, Daejeon 2, Gyeongnam 2, Daegu 1, Ulsan 1, Gwangju 1, and Jeju 1.

The number of imported cases decreased slightly to 16. The estimated countries of origin for the imported cases are Russia 3, Poland 3, the United States 2, Indonesia 2, Morocco 2, the United Kingdom 1, Canada 1, Turkey 1, and Tanzania 1.

Among the imported cases, 5 were identified during quarantine inspections at airports or ports, and the remaining 11 tested positive while in self-quarantine at their local residences or temporary living facilities.

As of this date, there are 79 critically ill patients, and with 4 deaths reported the previous day, the cumulative death toll reached 509. The total number of confirmed domestic cases increased to 31,004. With 73 patients released from isolation the previous day, 3,956 patients are currently undergoing isolation treatment.

On the same day, Kang Do-tae, the 1st General Coordinator of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (Vice Minister of Health and Welfare), stated, "This week is a crucial one that will determine the success of the efforts all citizens have made so far." He urged, "Please practice quarantine rules and social distancing even during gatherings with family, relatives, and acquaintances, make telecommuting and non-face-to-face meetings routine at all workplaces, and wear masks thoroughly in multi-use facilities such as restaurants."