Daily infections stay in 200,000s for 3rd day

People wait in line to receive a test for COVID-19 at a testing station in Seoul, April 5, when the country reported 261,135 new cases. Yonhap

Korea's new daily COVID-19 cases remained in the 200,000s for a third consecutive day Wednesday as the government is considering lifting social distancing rules in a step toward a return to normalcy.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) reported 224,820 infections, including 40 from overseas, bringing the total caseload to 14,778,405.

The health agency also recorded 348 new deaths, raising the toll to 18,381; among which, fatalities of children ― newborns to nine 9 years old ― rose by one, bringing the total to 15.

The number of critically ill patients stood at 1,116, down 12 from the previous day.

As of midnight Wednesday, fully vaccinated people stood at 44.5 million, or 86.7 percent of the 52 million population, while 64 percent had received booster shots, the KDCA said.

COVID-19 cases have largely been on the decline after hitting an all-time high of 621,181, March 17.

On Monday, the government eased social distancing rules nationwide in a move to reduce the plight of small merchants and business owners hit hard by the pandemic.

The private gathering limit has been raised to 10 people from eight, and the business hour curfew for public places, such as restaurants and cafes, has been extended by one hour to midnight.

The government said it is considering lifting the social distancing rules and allowing people to go mask-free outside if the virus stays in check through the end of next week.

Korea first attempted to return to normalcy in phases starting Nov. 1 last year, as a series of restrictions, including the business hour curfew, were lifted or eased. A rapid increase in the number of critically ill patients foiled the plan, and social distancing measures were put back in place Dec. 18. (Yonhap)