Coronavirus: Critical cases increase to new record despite over 81% vaccination rate

A medical worker guides people as they wait for their coronavirus test at a makeshift testing site in Seoul, Dec 16. AP-Yonhap

New COVID-19 cases stayed above 7,000 for the fourth consecutive day Friday and critical cases surged to a record high as the government re-imposed restrictions to contain the fast spread of the coronavirus.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) reported 7,314 more infections, including 7,284 local ones, bringing the cumulative total to 558,864.

Friday's tally is slightly down from the 7,434 the day before, and the record high of 7,850 reported Wednesday.

The number of critically ill patients hit an all-time high of 1,016, surpassing the grim milestone of 1,000 for the first time ― the previous daily high was 989, Thursday.

Deaths from the virus rose by 53, bringing the total to 4,644 for a fatality rate of 0.83 percent.

The country reported 15 more cases of the Omicron variant, putting the total at 166.

The government reintroduced social distancing measures across the country Saturday, which will remain in effect until Jan. 2 to stem the spread of the virus.

This marked a reversal of the government's "Living with COVID-19" strategy that began last month with the aim to regain normalcy by relaxing virus restrictions in phased steps.

Under the updated measures, the maximum size of private gatherings is limited to four people nationwide, from the current limit of six in the capital area and eight elsewhere.

Additionally, a 9 p.m. or 10 p.m. curfew is applied to businesses, depending on their type.

Only fully vaccinated people are allowed to use restaurants and cafes with other people, while those who have not been vaccinated can only use the facilities while alone or requesting takeout or delivery.

Schools in the greater Seoul area will resume remote learning and run at about two-thirds to 75 percent capacity beginning Monday, except for first and second grades in elementary school.

The extent to which masks can be worn and whether there is eating inside determine the degree of restriction. Up to 300 people can gather for outdoor sports events and other festivals approved by government agencies.

Of the locally transmitted cases, Seoul reported 2,794 infections and the surrounding Gyeonggi Province, 2,041.

The KDCA said 30 cases came from overseas, raising that caseload to 16,266.

As of Saturday, 84.5 percent of the country's 52 million population had received their first shots of a COVID-19 vaccine, while 81.8 percent had been fully vaccinated and 21.3 percent had received booster shots, the KDCA said. (Yonhap)