Citizens are waiting to get tested for COVID-19 at a temporary screening clinic installed in Jungang Central Park, Dongducheon-si, Gyeonggi Province. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] As the spread of COVID-19 continues nationwide, the number of new confirmed cases recorded in the late 300s as of 9 p.m. on the 6th.
According to the quarantine authorities and local governments including Seoul City, a total of 379 new confirmed COVID-19 cases were reported nationwide from midnight to 9 p.m. on that day. This is 10 fewer than the 389 cases recorded at the same time the previous day.
Looking at the regions where confirmed cases were reported, 309 cases (81.5%) were in the metropolitan area, and 70 cases (18.5%) were in non-metropolitan areas.
Confirmed cases were reported in all 17 cities and provinces nationwide. By region, Gyeonggi had 155 cases, Seoul 126 cases, Incheon 28 cases, Gyeongbuk 13 cases, Gangwon 9 cases, Daegu and Chungbuk 8 cases each, Jeonbuk 7 cases, Busan 5 cases, Jeonnam and Chungnam 4 cases each, Ulsan and Gyeongnam 3 cases each, Gwangju and Jeju 2 cases each, and Daejeon and Sejong 1 case each.
With three hours remaining until midnight when the tally closes, the number of new confirmed cases to be announced at midnight on the 7th is expected to increase further to around 400 cases.
The previous day saw an increase of 29 cases by midnight, closing at a final count of 418 cases.
Over the past week (February 28 to March 6), the daily new confirmed cases were 355 → 355 → 344 → 444 → 424 → 398 → 418, averaging 391 confirmed cases per day.
Among these, the weekly average of locally transmitted cases, a key indicator for adjusting the 'social distancing' level, is about 372 cases. This figure has remained below 400 since February 25 (395 cases) and continues to stay within the Level 2 social distancing range (nationwide over 300 cases).
Regarding major new cluster outbreaks, small-scale infections have surged mainly in the metropolitan area. In Michuhol-gu, Incheon, a total of 10 people have been confirmed positive related to family and acquaintances gatherings.
Additionally, 10 people including family and acquaintances were confirmed positive from a gathering in Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi, and 11 people tested positive from a gathering of acquaintances in Gunpo-si, Gyeonggi.
In particular, the cumulative number of confirmed cases in the foreigner cluster infection in Dongducheon-si, Gyeonggi, has increased to 132. In Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk, 64 infections have been reported so far related to a fitness center.
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