Confirmed Cases 19,629, Up 7,300 from Last Week... Severe Cases in 300s for First Time in 74 Days (Update)

On the 30th, at the Kookmin Bank Sinchon Branch in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, where indoor mask-wearing was changed from mandatory to recommended except for some facilities, a notice about normal business hours is posted. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Byun Seon-jin] The Central Disease Control Headquarters announced on the 31st at 0:00 that 19,629 new COVID-19 cases were confirmed, bringing the total to 30,176,646.

The number of new cases increased by 7,379 compared to a week ago (January 24, 12,250 cases), when testing was reduced during the Lunar New Year holiday. However, it decreased by 20,550 compared to two weeks ago (January 17, 40,079 cases), indicating a continued downward trend.

Among the new cases, 31 were imported from overseas.

The number of critically ill patients hospitalized was 387, down by 15 from the previous day. The number of critically ill patients falling to the 300s is the first time in 74 days since November 18 last year (365 patients).

There were 24 new COVID-19 related deaths. The cumulative death toll is 33,444, with a fatality rate of 0.11%.