Some 950 new coronavirus cases in one day create an ‘an emergency situation’

For months, the daily average stood at only 50 new infections per day. In the past week, the number averaged at least 600 per day. Today’s is the highest in 11 months. Out of a population of 52 million people, South Korea has reported 41, 736 cases with 578 deaths.

Seoul (AsiaNews) – The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) reported 950 new coronavirus cases today in South Korea, 928 local infections and 22 brought from abroad by travellers from the United States and Russia. More than 70 per cent of local cases are concentrated in the Seoul area.

Cluster infections from private gatherings coupled with massive infections at a church and a hospital pushed up the tally. For South Korean President Moon Jae-in, this is an "emergency situation".

Today’s numbers are the highest in 11 months. The previous record was 909 tallied on 29 February. In the past week, the country has reported about 600 cases a day. This rise in infections is largely the result of people not following government anti-COVID-19 rules.

Until now, South Korea had been seen as a positive model in the fight against the novel coronavirus, using tracing, testing and quarantine to keep the daily rate below 50 cases for many months. The country never adopted a complete lockdown.

Out of a population of 52 million people, the total number of cases stands at 41,736 with 578 deaths.

Now doctors and health professionals warn of a bigger wave of infections this winter, when the weather is cold and dry and respiratory viruses proliferate whilst people’s immune systems are generally weaker.

• south korea
• pandemic
• covid-19
• second wave
• winter