12 New Omicron Infections... Concerns Over Spread Across Seoul

Foreign Students from Seoul National University, Kyung Hee University, and Hankuk University of Foreign Studies Confirmed with COVID-19 After Visiting Incheon Church

On the morning of the 6th, a line of vehicles waiting for testing continued at the drive-thru temporary screening clinic set up at Incheon National University Jemulpo Campus in Michuhol-gu, Incheon. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chun-hee] Despite a decrease in testing due to the 'weekend effect,' the number of new domestic COVID-19 cases remained in the 4,000 range. The number of Omicron variant infections, whose specific risk level is still unknown due to the new mutation, doubled rapidly with an increase of 12 cases.

The Central Disease Control Headquarters announced on the 6th at midnight that the cumulative number of domestic COVID-19 cases increased by 4,325 from the previous day to 477,358. There were 4,296 domestic cases and 29 imported cases. The number of critically ill patients hospitalized was 727, down by 17 from 744 the previous day, showing a decline for two consecutive days but still remaining in the 700s. The number of deaths increased by 41 from the previous day, bringing the total cumulative deaths to 3,893. The fatality rate accordingly rose by 0.01 percentage points to 0.82%.

The number of Omicron variant infections increased by 12. Two were imported cases from South Africa, and 10 were local infections. As a result, the cumulative number of Omicron infections rose to 24. Among the previous 12 cases, except for one infected through contact at a restaurant, all were infected through acquaintances or cohabitants. However, among the 12 newly confirmed Omicron cases, a significant number were church members in Incheon, raising concerns about the transmissibility of the Omicron variant.

In particular, foreign students attending Seoul National University, Kyung Hee University, and Hankuk University of Foreign Studies who attended worship services at the Incheon church tested positive, increasing the possibility of Omicron spreading throughout Seoul. However, it has not yet been confirmed whether these cases are infected with the Omicron variant.

On the morning of the 6th, citizens are lined up to get tested at the screening clinic near Juan Station in Michuhol-gu, Incheon. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum said at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting held at Seoul City Hall on the same day, "The threat of Omicron is gradually becoming visible," and added, "The government intends to concentrate all quarantine capabilities on responding to Omicron until the end of the year." Prime Minister Kim emphasized, "Although the exact nature has not yet been identified, it is clear that its transmissibility is remarkably high," and stressed, "We must absolutely prevent further spread within the community."

To control the COVID-19 outbreak, the government will implement special quarantine measures starting today that suspend the recovery of daily life. The vaccination certificate and negative test confirmation system (quarantine pass) will be expanded to restaurants, cafes, academies, movie theaters, PC rooms, and more. However, to minimize confusion on the ground, a one-week grace period will be given, and actual penalties such as fines will be imposed starting from the 13th.