Reflecting the continuous decline of new Covid-19 cases, health authorities on Tuesday set the pandemic’s risk at a “low level” nationwide, the second-lowest of their five-tier rating system.
It was the first time the entire nation entered the low-risk level since the government introduced the weekly rating system in November.
Last week's new virus cases stood at 181,000, marking nine consecutive weeks of decline. In addition, the infection reproduction index was 0.83, remaining below 1 for eight consecutive weeks, showing “controlled spread.” The index shows the number of people a patient can transmit the virus on average.
Although the overall risk of Covid-19 has fallen, health officials warned that the risk of influx of new variants from overseas and its spread in Korea is growing. They added that the increase in the risk of breakthrough infection as time passes after the third vaccination might also touch off a resurge of Covid-19.
Therefore, officials have strengthened variant monitoring for high-risk groups and those who have entered abroad.
After the third vaccination, the number of breakthrough infections was estimated at 8.5 million, accounting for about 26 percent of the 33 million people who have received booster shots.
The government will expand the targets of vaccination among hospitalized patients from 18 and older to children and adolescents, encouraging others to get second booster shots.
Meanwhile, more new Omicron subvariants are being detected.
The government has confirmed an additional 13 BA.2.12.1 variants spreading in the U.S. -- 10 imported cases and three local infections.
As a result, the cumulative number of cases of BA.2.12.1 infection in Korea increased to 32.
Officials have also additionally detected one case of BA.4 and four cases of BA.5, which are dominant strains in South Africa, raising the cumulative cases of BA.4 and BA.5 to two and six in Korea.
However, health officials stressed that they had confirmed no evidence that BA.2.12.1, BA.4, and BA.5 increase the severity of the virus.
"We are still conducting epidemiological investigations related to detailed phylogenetic mutations," they said.
The government said it has stepped up the screening process for international travelers entering the country for early detection of the virus variants.
Starting Monday, Korea began to accept rapid antigen tests, taken at a hospital or clinic, from all travelers entering the country. A supervised negative Covid-19 result must be issued within 24 hours before the departure date. Previously, a PCR test result was required.
Also, the government extended the temporary measure of allowing in-person visits without any barriers at nursing homes and senior care hospitals for the time being.
Last month, Korea ended most of its virus restrictions from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Still, the seven-day self-isolation for Covid-19 patients remains in effect until June 20 due to a possible resurgence of the virus.
On Tuesday, the KDCA confirmed 26,344 new virus cases, raising the cumulative caseload to 17,993,985.
Although the number of confirmed cases on Tuesday is a 2.6 times increase compared to Monday, it is the lowest Tuesday figure in 16 weeks. The death toll came to 24,006, up 19 from the previous day, with a fatality rate of 0.13 percent. Critically ill patients also increased from 225 to 232.
Korea's daily caseload peaked at over 621,000 on March 17, driven by the rapid spread of the omicron variant.
According to the agency, about 44.57 million people, or 86.9 percent of the 52-million population, have been fully vaccinated. In addition, about 33.26 million people had received their first booster shots, representing 64.8 percent, and 3.8 million people had their second booster shots.