South Korea Reports 161 New COVID-19 Cases Today (24 Feb); Now Have More Cases Than Diamond Princess Cruise Ship


Advertisements
 

Previously, we wrote about how one ‘crazy ahjumma‘ single-handedly caused South Korea to have the most number of Covid-19 cases in the world outside China.

It got so bad that their president told leaders to take ‘unprecedented powerful measures’.

In other words, please go see a doctor if you’re feeling unwell. Don’t ti ki (Hokkien for stubborn) as Minister Chan would say.

South Korea Reports 161 New Covid-19 Cases

On 23 Feb, South Korea has 602 Covid-19 cases and 6 deaths within the country due to the coronavirus.

Image: New York Times

More than half of the cases were linked to the Shincheonji Church of Jesus in the south-eastern city of Daegu.

Previously, it was mentioned that the number of cases will definitely rise as more than 1,000 churchgoers exhibit the flu symptoms.

And rise, it did.

Today (24 Feb 2020), the country’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 161 new Covid-19 cases.

In addition, they reported the seventh death within the country due to Covid-19

Higher Number Of Cases Than The Diamond Princess

With today’s report, South Korea’s Covid-19 cases have reached 763, higher than the Diamond Princess, identified as a hotspot for the Covid-19 virus.

Image: washingtonpost.com

More than 620 people from the ship were diagnosed with Covid-19. That’s about 20% of the entire ship’s population.

Japan has been criticised heavily for its management of the ship, causing it to have unprecedentedly high rates of infections.

MOH Advises S’poreans Not To Visit Daegu and Cheongdo

In response to the worsening situation in South Korea, the Ministry of Health is discouraging all non-essential travel to Daegu and Cheongdo.

Should you have pneumonia or severe respiratory infection with breathlessness within 14 days of travelling there, you’ll be a suspect case.

While the advisory is limited to the city and county, MOH would also want to remind Singaporeans to be careful when travelling to South Korea itself.

If you really need to travel to the affected areas, you are advised to regularly check MOH’s website for updates.


Advertisements
 

And when you’re there, please stay vigilant, monitor developments and heed the advice of the local authorities.