COVID-19 Cases Remain in the 500s for Second Day... 81% in the Capital Area (Update)

On the morning of the 3rd, when the 2021 College Scholastic Ability Test was held, proctors at Gyeongbok High School in Jongno-gu, Seoul, distributed exam papers to the test takers in the examination room.

Due to the impact of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), this year's test was postponed by two weeks and was simultaneously conducted at 1,383 test sites across 86 test districts nationwide, with a record low of 493,433 examinees. 2020.12.3

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jeong] On the 3rd, the number of newly confirmed domestic cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) was 540, maintaining the 500s for the second consecutive day.

According to the domestic status compiled by the Central Disease Control Headquarters as of midnight on the day, 516 cases are estimated to be domestic infections, and 24 cases are imported from overseas.

By region, Seoul reported 260 cases, Gyeonggi 137 cases, and Incheon 22 cases, with the metropolitan area accounting for 419 cases, which is 81% of the domestic confirmed cases.

Outside the metropolitan area, Busan had the highest number with 15 cases, followed by Chungnam 13 cases, Gyeongnam 13 cases, Gyeongbuk 10 cases, Chungbuk 9 cases, Gangwon 8 cases, Daejeon 7 cases, Jeonbuk 7 cases, Sejong 4 cases, Gwangju 3 cases, Daegu 3 cases, Ulsan 2 cases, Jeonnam 2 cases, and Jeju 1 case.

There were 24 imported cases. The estimated countries of origin for the imported cases were the United States with 9 cases, Russia 5 cases, Italy 2 cases, Hungary 1 case, Kenya 1 case, Indonesia 1 case, Nepal 1 case, United Arab Emirates 1 case, Ukraine 1 case, Uzbekistan 1 case, and Kyrgyzstan 1 case.

Among the imported cases, 13 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 day, there are 117 critically ill patients, and with 3 deaths reported the previous day, the cumulative death toll reached 529.

The total number of confirmed domestic cases increased to 35,703. With 287 patients released from isolation the previous day, 6,822 patients are currently in isolation.