"Recent 1-Week Daily Average Domestic Confirmed Cases 487.9... About 80 More Than Previous Week" (Update)

Citizens are waiting to get tested at the COVID-19 screening clinic at Dongjak-gu Public Health Center in Seoul. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heung-soon] Im Suk-young, Head of the Central Disease Control Headquarters Situation Unit, stated at the regular briefing on the 5th, "The average daily number of domestically transmitted COVID-19 cases over the past week was 487.9, an increase of about 80 compared to the previous week."

Im said, "Last week's reproduction number was around 1.4, meaning that one COVID-19 patient infects about 1.4 people," adding, "If we fail to reduce it below 1 going forward, the scale of the outbreak is expected to continue growing."

He also noted, "Recently, about 20% of cases are under investigation for infection routes, showing an increasing trend compared to the previous week," and added, "Although the central and local governments are mobilizing all their capabilities to trace contacts, the scale and number of cases of infection spread are indeed very large."

Im emphasized, "At this time, mere vigilance is not enough; the public must make bold decisions and take action," and urged, "Please cancel gatherings and refrain from traveling nationwide to prevent the spread until the risk subsides."