my timesThe Korea Times
South Korea

Health

South Korea's new COVID-19 cases hit 4-month low amid efforts for return to normalcy

People look around a direct trading market at the Olympic Park in Songpa District, Seoul, May 15. YonhapKorea's new COVID-19 cases fell to their lowest level in nearly four months for Sunday amid a slowing virus trend giving a boost to efforts for a return to normalcy. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) reported 13,296 new infections, including 28 from overseas, bringing the total caseload to 17,795,357. The count is the lowest since the 13,005 reported for Jan. 26. The Omicron wave spread rapidly across the nation early this year, peaking at more than 620,000, March 17, before marking a steady decline to the current level. The KDCA also recorded 35 deaths, raising the total to 23,744, for a fatality rate of 0.13 percent. The number of critically ill patients reached 345, up from the previous day's 338. The government is expected to decide whether to further relax COVID-19-related restrictions, particularly the seven-day mandatory quarantine requirement for confirmed patients. Officials had set a four-week interim period to give time for preparations before shifti

May 16, 2022
South Korea's new COVID-19 cases hit 4-month low amid efforts for return to normalcy

Korea's next step in COVID response remains uncertain amid absence of health minister

A COVID-19 screening center near Seoul Station is empty, Sunday, as the country continues to see a downward trend in infections. YonhapGov't set to decide whether to lift 7-day isolation rule for COVID-19 patientsBy Lee Hyo-jin The government's next step toward a return to normalcy from the COVID-19 pandemic remains uncertain with the appointment of a new health minister still in limbo. The cabinet vacuum is feared to hinder President Yoon Suk-yeol administration's plan to implement a new pandemic management framework and achieve the smooth implementation of response measures.As of Sunday, Yoon has appointed 14 out of 18 ministers, but it is uncertain as to whether scandal-ridden Health Minister nominee Chung Ho-young will take the helm or not, as the parliamentary confirmation hearing reports of the nominee have not been approved yet.Chung has been mired in controversies involving his children's admissions to medical school as well as his son's exemption from mandatory military service. He allegedly used his influence when he was the head of Kyungpook National University Hospital to

May 15, 2022By Lee Hyo-jin
Korea's next step in COVID response remains uncertain amid absence of health minister

South Korea's new COVID-19 cases under 30,000 for 2nd day

Terminal One of Incheon International Airport, just west of Seoul, is seen following eased virus curbs in this May 13 photo. YonhapSouth Korea's new COVID-19 cases stayed below 30,000 for a second straight day Saturday in the latest sign that infections are on a downward trend alongside eased virus curbs.The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) reported 25,434 cases, including 26 from overseas, bringing the total caseload to 17,782,061.The country added 48 COVID-19 deaths, bringing the total to 23,709, for a fatality rate of 0.13 percent; while the number of critically ill patients fell to 338 from 341 a day earlier, the KDCA said.Last month, the health authorities eased social distancing guidelines as new infections showed signs of a slowdown after peaking at 621,178, March 17.The government also eased the outdoor mask mandate May 2, except for large gatherings of 50 or more, as it moves the country toward a return to normalcy. An indoor mask mandate remains in effect.On Friday, the administration announced the easing of requirements to enter the country to remove inco

May 15, 2022
South Korea's new COVID-19 cases under 30,000 for 2nd day

South Korea's new COVID-19 cases under 30,000 amid clear downward trend

Travelers wait in line at Incheon International Airport in Incheon, west of Seoul, May 13. YonhapNew COVID-19 cases fell below 30,000 for Friday in an apparent sign that the country's virus cases are significantly declining alongside eased social distancing rules.The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) reported 29,581 new virus infections, including 25 from overseas, bringing the total caseload to 17,756,627.The daily figure fell below the 30,000 mark for the first time in 15 weeks for any Friday, and marked a sharp drop from 32,451 reported the previous day and 35,906 added Wednesday.The country added 55 COVID-19 deaths, bringing the total to 23,661, the KDCA said, for a fatality rate of 0.13 percent.The number of critically ill patients came to 341, compared with 347 the previous day. The government eased social distancing guidelines last month as it saw a clear downward trend in new infections since they peaked at 621,178, March 17.The administration also eased the outdoor mask mandate May 2, except for large gatherings of 50 or more, as it is moving toward a return

May 14, 2022
South Korea's new COVID-19 cases under 30,000 amid clear downward trend

Yoon makes debut to int'l diplomacy at COVID-19 summit

President Yoon Suk-yeol speaks during a pre-recorded speech to the second virtual Global COVID-19 Summit, Thursday, making his debut on the international diplomatic stage as the president. Captured from White House live stream By Nam Hyun-wooPresident Yoon Suk-yeol made his debut on the international diplomatic stage, Thursday, promising a $300 million contribution to an international initiative on COVID-19 response. During his speech at the second virtual Global COVID-19 Summit, Yoon stressed Korea's role and responsibility in the world's battle against the pandemic. “Korea has been making contributions to the international society's efforts to end COVID-19 and build a sustainable global response system for healthcare,” Yoon said. “We will continue making contributions to the global efforts to see the end of the pandemic, and will play our role and fulfill our responsibility.” To this end, Yoon promised that Korea will make a $300 million contribution to the Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator (ACT-A). Launched in April 2020, ACT-A is a program on accel

May 12, 2022By Nam Hyun-woo
Yoon makes debut to int'l diplomacy at COVID-19 summit

WHO launches steering committee for biomanufacturing training hub in Korea

The logo and building of the World Health Organization (WHO) headquarters in Geneva is seen in this file photo. The WHO launched the official steering committee for its new global biomanufacturing training hub in Korea, Thursday, and confirmed its education plan for 2022. AP-YonhapThe World Health Organization (WHO) launched the official steering committee for its new global biomanufacturing training hub in Korea, Thursday, and confirmed its education plan for 2022, according to the health ministry.In February, the U.N. health agency announced its decision to establish the global training hub in Korea aimed at supporting low- and middle-income countries wishing to strengthen their biomanufacturing technology and production capabilities.The steering committee, co-chaired by Lee Kang-ho, head of the health ministry's global vaccine hub operations, and WHO Chief Scientist Soumya Swaminathan, held its inaugural meeting via video links Thursday following four preparatory meetings.In the meeting, the committee confirmed the plan for the hub's 2022 education program. It plans to offer bioma

May 12, 2022
WHO launches steering committee for biomanufacturing training hub in Korea

New COVID-19 cases fall to 30,000s

A makeshift COVID-19 testing center is empty in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, May 12. Korea's new COVID-19 cases fell Thursday after staying above 40,000 for two days. Yonhap New COVID-19 cases fell Wednesday after staying above 40,000 for two days, as the government's efforts to move the country back to pre-pandemic normalcy continued.The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) reported 35,906 new infections ― down 43,925 for Tuesday ― bringing the total caseload to 17,694,677.The agency also reported 63 deaths, bringing that total to 23,554; while the number of critically ill patients came to 354, down 29 from a day earlier. Korea's new daily infections have been on a downward trend in recent weeks after peaking at over 620,000, March 17, amid the spread of the Omicron variant.The government eased its outdoor mask mandate May 2, except for large gatherings of 50 or more, as a move toward a return to normalcy. The indoor mask mandate remains in effect. (Y

May 12, 2022
New COVID-19 cases fall to 30,000s

Bio Korea 2022 kicks off to explore post COVID-19 era

Minister of Health and Welfare Kwon Deok-chul speaks during Bio Korea 2022, May 11. YonhapBio Korea 2022, Korea's largest health and pharmaceutical industry trade fair, kicked off Wednesday, bringing together some 700 companies from across the world to showcase the latest technological innovations and trends in the bio sector.The annual trade show, now in its 17th year, opened at the Convention and Exhibition Center (COEX) in southern Seoul for a three-day run, according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare. It is expected to be attended by 14,000 industry experts from 50 countries.The ministry said the fair has helped Korean pharmaceutical and bio companies showcase their technologies to the world and has helped raise the country's status in the global health industry.The theme of this year's trade show centers around the exploration of technological innovations in the health care industry post COVID-19, officials said.Some 150 experts from seven countries will participate in conferences on various fields of health innovation. A separate business forum and investment fair will also

May 11, 2022
Bio Korea 2022 kicks off to explore post COVID-19 era

New COVID-19 cases above 40,000 for 2nd day

People look around Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul, May 10, the second straight day for Korea's new COVID-19 cases to stay above 40,000. Yonhap New COVID-19 cases stayed above 40,000 for the second straight day Tuesday amid the government's efforts to move the country back to pre-pandemic normalcy.The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) reported 43,925 infections, including 37 cases from overseas, bringing the total caseload to 17,658,794.The tally decreased from 49,933 recorded Monday and was down from 49,055 a week ago. The KDCA also added 29 deaths, bringing the total to 23,491; while the number of critically ill patients fell by 15 to 383.On May 2, the government eased its outdoor mask mandate, except for large gatherings of 50 or more, as it moves the country toward a return to normalcy. The indoor mask mandate remains in effect.The country's daily infections have been on a downward trend in recent weeks after peaking at over 620,000, March 17, amid the s

May 11, 2022
New COVID-19 cases above 40,000 for 2nd day

New COVID-19 cases rise amid eased virus curbs

People walk in Suncheon station, South Jeolla Province, May 9. Yonhap New COVID-19 cases bounced back to above 40,000 for Monday amid the government's eased virus curbs designed to move the country back to pre-pandemic normalcy.The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) reported 49,933 new infections, including 23 from overseas, bringing the total caseload to 17,614,895.The tally is up from 40,064 for Saturday 20,601, Sunday. The jump came as family and religious gatherings increased last week as Children's Day was celebrated Thursday, and Parents' Day and Buddha's Birthday, Sunday.The daily count also tends to fall on Sundays and Mondays due to fewer tests over the weekend before rising toward the end of the following week. The KDCA added 62 more deaths, bringing the total to 23,462 for a fatality rate of 0.13 percent; while the number of critically ill patients dropped to 398 from 421 a day earlier.The government lifted the outdoor mask mandate May 2,

May 10, 2022
New COVID-19 cases rise amid eased virus curbs
previous page
116117118119120
next page

Most Read in South Korea