Daily COVID-19 Cases Reach Over 1,000 for the First Time in 6 Months... 1,006 Cases Reported by 6 PM (Comprehensive)

880 Infections in the Capital Area... 88% of Total

[Asia Economy Reporter Jin-ho Kim] The spread of COVID-19 is accelerating again. The number of daily confirmed cases has surged back to the 1,000 range for the first time in six months. This is due to 521 confirmed cases in Seoul alone by 6 p.m.

According to the quarantine authorities and local governments including Seoul on the 6th, the total number of new confirmed COVID-19 cases nationwide from midnight to 6 p.m. on that day was about 1,006.

The daily new confirmed cases reaching the 1,000 range is the first time in about six months since January 3 of this year (1,020 cases), right after the peak of the third wave. This is 425 more cases than the 581 counted at the same time the previous day.

Looking at the regions where confirmed cases were reported, the metropolitan area accounted for 880 cases (87.5%), and non-metropolitan areas accounted for 126 cases (12.5%).

By city and province, Seoul had the highest number with 521 cases. Gyeonggi had 313 cases, Incheon 46, Busan 31, Daejeon 23, Jeju 13, Daegu 12, Gyeongnam 11, Gangwon 8, Jeonnam and Chungnam 6 each, Gwangju, Jeonbuk, and Chungbuk 4 each, Gyeongbuk 3, and Ulsan 1. Among the 17 cities and provinces nationwide, Sejong has not yet reported any confirmed cases.

Since there is still plenty of time until midnight when the tally closes, the number of new confirmed cases announced as of 0:00 on the 7th is expected to increase further.

The average daily local transmission cases, a key indicator for adjusting the 'social distancing' level, is about 711.

Regarding major cluster infection cases, the cumulative confirmed cases related to a restaurant in Mapo-gu, Seoul, and eight English academies in the metropolitan area have increased to 314. Additionally, new cluster outbreaks were confirmed at an indoor sports facility in Gangseo-gu, Seoul (second case, cumulative 13), a workplace in Gangnam-gu, Seoul (second case, 14), an elementary school in Michuhol-gu, Incheon (26), a construction site in Paju, Gyeonggi - a workplace in Nowon-gu, Seoul (13), a workplace in Daedeok-gu, Daejeon (8), and a nightlife establishment in Haeundae-gu, Busan (12).

The number of COVID-19 confirmed cases is likely to remain in the 1,000 range for the time being, as there is a high possibility of more cluster outbreaks occurring. On this day in Yeouido, Seoul, an employee of a famous restaurant tested positive, and 975 people who visited the restaurant are scheduled to be tested.

Recently, news of COVID-19 confirmed cases has been rapidly increasing in Yeouido. According to the financial sector, COVID-19 cases are surging at securities firms based in Yeouido, including NH Investment & Securities, Eugene Investment & Securities, Ebest Investment & Securities, Heungkuk Securities, and Korea Asset Investment Securities.