S. Korea's Virus Caseload Tops 73,000 As New Infections Slow

Reporter Rosyn Park ㅣ 2021-01-19 13:16

Health workers share heat packs with each other to keep warm amid freezing temperatures as they stand outside a free COVID-19 testing center at Seoul Station on Jan. 19, 2021. (Photo: Yonhap News)

The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in South Korea crossed the 73,000 mark on Tuesday as a winter resurgence of the virus continued to show signs of slowing.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency said 386 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours, including 351 domestic infections and 35 imported from abroad.

Nineteen more virus-related fatalities were also confirmed, raising the death toll to 1,283.

Amid tightened social distancing measures and preemptive testing, the third wave of COVID-19 here hit its peak on December 25 with 1,240 cases, and has been on a downward trend since.

Health authorities, however, remain vigilant over potential upticks amid partially eased antivirus restrictions on cafes, gyms and other indoor facilities that have suffered pandemic-related financial losses.

Level 2.5 distancing in the greater Seoul area and Level 2 measures elsewhere have been extended until the end of the month.

Authorities are expected to announce new rules to prevent the spread of the virus ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday next month.