In Midsummer, Daily COVID-19 Cases Exceed 57,000... Increasing for 5 Consecutive Weeks

Even in midsummer, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases continues to rise.

The Central Disease Control Headquarters (CDCH) announced on the day that the average daily number of new COVID-19 cases from the 25th to the 31st was 45,529, a 17% increase compared to the previous week (38,802).

This marks the fifth consecutive week of increase.

In particular, on the 26th, there were 57,220 confirmed cases, the highest in about six months since January 11 (54,315 cases). Amid midsummer weather with repeated heavy rain and heat waves, the number of COVID-19 cases is appearing at a scale similar to the re-outbreak last winter.

During the past week, the average daily number of severe patients in medical care was 174, and deaths were 13. These numbers increased compared to the previous week (150 and 8, respectively).

The growing number of confirmed cases despite the hot summer weather is believed to be due to the decrease in natural immunity acquired from COVID-19 infection and artificial immunity gained through vaccination, leading to more reinfections. The dominance of XBB 1.5, which has greater immune evasion ability than previous Omicron variants, also plays a role.

The health authorities plan to lower the COVID-19 infectious disease classification from level 2 to level 4 around early to mid-next month and transition the response system to the general medical system. The mask-wearing mandate will be lifted in some medical institutions at the hospital level or higher, and comprehensive monitoring of confirmed cases will be discontinued.

Some voices argue that easing quarantine measures amid the resurgence of COVID-19 is premature, but the authorities maintain that, considering the decreased fatality rate, the current medical capacity is sufficient to respond.