The number of daily Covid-19 cases in South Korea exceeds 8,000 for the first time

South Korea – Today, the daily total number of new coronavirus cases in South Korea surpassed 8,000 for the first time, as the highly infectious Omicron strain spreads swiftly despite the recent expansion of tight social-distancing measures to reduce infection.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) recorded 8,571 cases yesterday, surpassing the previous high of 7,848 in mid-December.

The new record occurred despite fewer testing over the weekend and the emergence of the more transmissible but less lethal Omicron variant, which became widespread in the country last week.

South Korea reintroduced stricter distancing measures in December, as the record number of daily cases and severely ill patients threatened to overwhelm the country’s medical system before the Omicron wave hit.

Daily totals were nearly halved to roughly 4,000 this month, but began to recover last week due to Omicron infections, reaching their second-highest level on Saturday.

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The spike fueled fears of a larger wave approaching the Lunar New Year holidays, when tens of millions of Koreans often travel across the country for family visits.

According to health officials, Omicron will likely account for more than 90% of reported cases within two to three weeks, with daily numbers reaching 20,000 to 30,000 or even higher.

On Monday, Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum issued a special statement urging citizens to avoid travel and gatherings over the vacation, which begins on Saturday.

He said during a press conference that it is no different than putting gasoline to the blazing flames if a lot of individuals migrate throughout the nation and meet one other.

The mandated isolation period for vaccinated patients will be shortened from 10 days to seven days beginning tomorrow as part of measures to conserve medical capacity for the severely infected. South Korea has also implemented one of the most rigorous vaccination pass laws in the area, requiring unvaccinated persons to dine alone or utilize takeout or delivery services.