South Korea identified 5,266 new cases of Covid-19 on Wednesday, a record high for the second day in a row, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) said in a press release on Thursday.
This broke the previous record of 5,123 new cases recorded on Tuesday.
Last month, South Korea announced it would begin “living with COVID-19” and began easing restrictions. But its reopening coincides with records of new infections, critical cases and deaths. Concerns about the new Omicron variant also pose a threat to the country’s recovery.
According to KDCA, the total number of confirmed cases in South Korea rose to 457,612, while the death toll rose by 47 to 3,705. KDCA said that the condition of 733 patients is critical.
This is despite high vaccination rates. As of Wednesday, 80.1% of the population has been fully vaccinated, according to the KDCA.
Travel Restrictions: The surge in cases has prompted authorities to request a 10-day quarantine for all incoming international travelers, including Korean nationals, for two weeks starting Friday.
The move came after five cases of omicron were reported in the country among travelers from Nigeria.
KDCA said the mandate applies to travelers from all countries, regardless of their vaccination status.
.