COVID-19 New Cases 58,862... Severe and Critical Patients in 500s

On the 15th, 72,883 new COVID-19 cases were reported, an increase of 49,118 from the previous day. Citizens visiting the screening clinic set up at Yongsan-gu Public Health Center in Seoul are undergoing tests. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Yuri Choi] On the 18th, the number of new COVID-19 cases approached 60,000. The number of critically ill patients reached the 500s, marking the highest figure in over three months.

The Central Disease Control Headquarters announced that as of midnight on this day, the number of new confirmed cases was 58,862. This is 8,068 fewer than the previous day (66,930). It is interpreted that the number of confirmed cases reflected a decrease due to fewer diagnostic tests conducted over the weekend.

Compared to a week ago on the 11th (54,298 cases), there was an increase of 4,564 cases, and compared to two weeks ago on the 4th (46,548 cases), there was an increase of 12,314 cases, showing a continuing upward trend. Based on Sunday announcements, this is the highest number of new confirmed cases in 15 weeks since September 4th (72,112 cases).

With a new variant spreading rapidly recently, reinfection rates steadily increasing, and cold weather continuing, the spread is expected to persist for the time being.

The number of confirmed cases by region (including overseas inflow) is as follows: Gyeonggi 15,808, Seoul 10,649, Busan 3,844, Gyeongnam 3,597, Incheon 3,536, Daegu 2,722, Gyeongbuk 2,700, Chungnam 2,493, Jeonbuk 2,188, Gwangju 2,076, Jeonnam 1,891, Chungbuk 1,803, Daejeon 1,614, Gangwon 1,420, Ulsan 1,352, Jeju 605, Sejong 524.

The number of critically ill patients currently hospitalized is 520, an increase of 52 from the previous day (468). The number of critically ill patients reaching the 500s is the first time in 90 days since September 19th (508). The number of critically ill patients on this day is also the highest in 96 days since September 13th (547).