Citizens lining up at the temporary screening clinic in front of Seoul City Hall. Photo by Mun Honam munonam@
[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-seop] As the Omicron variant of COVID-19 rapidly spreads domestically, 4,791 people have tested positive for COVID-19.
According to health authorities, Seoul city, and other local governments as of 6 PM on the 22nd, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases increased by 239 compared to the same time the previous day. This is 1,578 more than the 3,213 cases reported a week ago, and 2,230 more compared to two weeks ago. New COVID-19 cases had been decreasing since late last month but have recently been rising due to the spread of Omicron.
With several hours remaining until midnight, the total number of new confirmed cases is expected to increase further. The previous day saw 7,009 confirmed cases, already surpassing the government’s threshold of 7,000 cases for activating the ‘Omicron Response Quarantine and Medical System.’
By region, 2,560 cases (53.4%) were reported in the Seoul metropolitan area, while 2,331 cases (46.6%) were from non-metropolitan areas. By city and province, Gyeonggi had the highest number with 1,281 cases, followed by Seoul with 789, Incheon with 490, and Daegu with 457. All 17 cities and provinces reported confirmed cases.
Domestic COVID-19 infections have continued for two years since the first confirmed case on January 20, 2020. The fourth wave, which began in July last year, has now lasted seven months.
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