Lowest in 52 Days... Total Confirmed Cases 15.42 Million
Post-Omicron Response Unveiled on the 15th
On the 11th, the first day of the suspension of free COVID-19 rapid antigen tests available at public health centers, an official is posting a PCR test information notice at the temporary COVID-19 screening site in front of Seoul City Hall. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@
The daily number of new COVID-19 cases has sharply dropped to the 90,000 range. This is the lowest figure in 54 days. Even considering the reduced number of tests over the weekend, the decline is clear.
According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters on the 11th, as of midnight, the number of new COVID-19 cases increased by 90,928 from the previous day, bringing the total cumulative cases to 15,424,598.
The daily new cases decreased by 73,553 from the previous day's 164,481, falling below 100,000 for the first time in 48 days since February 22 (99,568 cases). This is the lowest number in 54 days since February 16 (90,349 cases), and the lowest Monday figure in 8 weeks since February 14 (54,610 cases). Compared to a week ago on the 4th of this month (127,190 cases), it has decreased by more than 30,000, and compared to two weeks ago on March 28 (187,182 cases), it has dropped by more than 90,000.
However, the number of critically ill patients currently hospitalized remains at 1,099, staying in the 1,000 range for over a month, and 258 deaths were reported.
As the decline in cases becomes more evident, expectations for a return to normal life are growing. The government plans to announce the 'Post-Omicron Response System,' aimed at restoring normalcy in quarantine and healthcare systems, alongside the social distancing adjustment plan scheduled for the 15th. Regarding social distancing, there are prospects of a comprehensive easing of measures except for some, such as indoor mask-wearing.
The health authorities explained the criteria for lifting social distancing measures, stating, "If the intensive care unit occupancy rate remains around 65% for two weeks and the number of critically ill patients stays around 1,300 without a sharp increase," then "after about four weeks from the peak, discussions on fully easing the social distancing system will be possible." The nationwide severe bed occupancy rate on this day was 60.0% (1,695 out of 2,825 beds in use), up 1.8 percentage points from the previous day (58.2%).
Meanwhile, from this day forward, rapid antigen testing at public health center screening clinics and temporary screening clinics will be suspended, and PCR testing will only be conducted for those aged 60 and over and close contacts of confirmed cases. Additionally, long-term foreign residents in Korea who have previously tested positive for COVID-19 will no longer be required to submit a negative PCR test certificate when re-entering the country after traveling abroad.
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