Lee Hyo-jin covers the Bank of Korea, the banking industry and broader financial news. Her previous beats include foreign affairs, North Korea and general reporting on Korean society.
COVID-19 deaths on the rise amid 4th wave of infections
People stand in line for coronavirus tests at a testing center near Seoul Station, Sunday. Yonhap
By Lee Hyo-jin
By Lee Hyo-jin
The health authorities here are alarmed by a recent surge in the number of deaths from COVID-19 as the country grapples with its fourth wave of infections.
According to data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), the country reported 64 deaths of coronavirus patients this week, raising the death toll to 2,279. The average daily number for this week stood at 9.14, up from 8.4 in the previous week and more than double the 4.1 between Aug. 5 and 11.
In particular, on Thursday, Korea recorded 20 deaths, the highest daily death toll since the beginning of the fourth wave of infections.
Meanwhile, as of Saturday, 404 patients were classified as seriously or critically ill ― those who are receiving intensive treatment such as high-flow oxygen therapy or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).
This number has stayed at over 400 for nearly a week, prompting concerns over possible shortages of hospital beds or medical workers.
Adding to the concerns is the upcoming Chuseok long weekend from Sept. 18 to 22, during which travels across the country are expected to increase as people visit their families and relatives.
The health authorities said that they will announce a set of special quarantine measures for the national holiday by the end of this month. The measures will likely include rules on family gatherings and visits to nursing homes.