36.6% of New COVID-19 Cases Have Unknown Infection Routes

24,301 New Confirmed Cases from October 4 to 17
Among Them, 8,887 (36.6%) Have Unidentified Infection Routes

Seoul Mapo-gu Public Health Center COVID-19 Screening Clinic [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-seop] Amid the nationwide spread of COVID-19 cluster infections, the proportion of patients who cannot identify when and where they were infected has been found to be 36.6%.

According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters (CDCH) on the 17th, among the 24,301 newly confirmed cases reported to the health authorities from the 4th to this day, 8,887 cases (36.6%) had an unknown infection route. The proportion of infections contracted after contact with family, acquaintances, or coworkers was 45.2% (10,983 cases).

The total number of patients confirmed positive but currently undergoing home treatment is 3,049. Seoul has the highest number with 1,658, followed by Gyeonggi (1,117), Incheon (166), and non-metropolitan areas (119).

The CDCH explained, “Local governments provide home treatment patients with guidelines on daily living rules and emergency contact information along with a notice,” adding, “Home treatment kits including thermometers and pulse oximeters are being delivered.”

The capacity for admission to residential treatment centers is 12,739, with an occupancy rate of 40.1%. Hospital beds available for confirmed patients are relatively sufficient. There are 5,520 beds in infectious disease-dedicated hospitals, 590 beds for severe patients, and 213 beds for semi-intensive care patients.