Following the extended weekend, the number of COVID-19 cases in South Korea rebounded to over 15,000, though daily infections have been decreasing. According to Yonhap, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) reported 15,476 new COVID-19 infections, including 95 from overseas, bringing the total caseload to 24,995,246.
After waning virus infections and fewer tests over the extended weekend that included Hangeul Day, a holiday celebrating the creation of the Korean alphabet, the daily caseload fell below 10,000 for the first time in 14 weeks. After peaking at over 180,000 cases in mid-August, South Korea has seen a gradual decline in new diseases.
COVID-19 has resulted in 10 additional deaths, bringing the total to 28,708. Critically ill patients increased to 313 from 311 the day before. As a result of waning infections, health authorities have eased antivirus restrictions, such as removing all outdoor mask mandates and COVID-19 PCR testing requirements for inbound travelers. COVID-19 and seasonal influenza may cause a “twindemic” this winter, according to authorities.