The first day of lifting the mandatory mask requirement on public transportation [Image source=Yonhap News]
On the 20th, the first day after the mandatory mask-wearing on public transportation was lifted, the number of new COVID-19 cases recorded was in the high 3,000s, the lowest in about nine months.
The Central Disease Control Headquarters reported that as of midnight that day, 3,930 new COVID-19 cases were confirmed, bringing the total to 30,702,960.
The number of new cases that day decreased by 4,877 compared to the previous day (8,807) due to the weekend testing effect. Compared to a week earlier on the 13th (4,198 cases), it decreased by 268.
This is the lowest figure since June 27 of last year (3,419 cases).
The number of critically ill patients hospitalized was 122, down by 2 from the previous day. The number of critically ill patients has remained in the 100s for 29 consecutive days.
The number of new COVID-19 deaths was 9, bringing the total deaths to 34,171 (fatality rate 0.11%).
Since the adjustment of indoor mask-wearing to level 1 in January, the government has observed a continued decline in the outbreak and from this day onward, mask-wearing on public transportation and other places was made voluntary. The decision was based on the judgment that even if mask-wearing is recommended rather than mandatory, the high compliance rate would not significantly strain quarantine capabilities.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
