South Korea's new COVID-19 cases below 16,000 amid slowing virus trend
A medical worker sweeps the floor at a COVID-19 testing station in Seoul's central district of Jongno, May 31, a day before its closure as South Korea is set to remove most of the makeshift centers amid a decline in infections. Yonhap
New COVID-19 cases fell below 16,000 for Tuesday amid a slowing virus trend, and as the government continues its steps for a return to pre-pandemic normalcy.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) reported 15,797 infections, including 44 from overseas, bringing the total caseload to 18,119,415.
Daily cases have marked a steady decline since an all-time high of more than 620,000 in mid-March ― infection numbers have fallen to five digits or lower since April 21.
The death toll came to 24,197, up 21 from Tuesday for a fatality rate of 0.13 percent; while the number of critically ill patients stood at 188, up from 180 the previous day.
Starting Wednesday, international arrivals need to take only one polymerase chain reaction test within the first three days of arrival, in a further easing of COVID-19 restrictions that are in line with border re-openings in other countries.
Rapid antigen tests that had been required for inbound travelers by the end of the first week of arrival are now a recommendation.
The age of minors for self-isolation exemption has been raised to 11 from 5.
Also beginning Wednesday, the government will shut down most of the makeshift COVID-19 testing stations and temporary treatment centers across the country. The KDCA said it will increase the number of private clinics and local hospitals designated for COVID-19 treatment.
As of Tuesday, 44.58 million, or 86.9 percent of the population, had completed the full two-dose vaccination protocol, and 33.30 million (64.9 percent) had received their first booster shots.
More than 4.1 million people (8 percent) have had second booster shots, the KDCA said. (Yonhap)