The Korea Medical Institute (KMI) predicted that a new viral wave of the Covid-19 virus could come as early as next month.

The medical think tank also expects that the BQ.1 strain, a sub-variant of BA.5 that is rapidly spreading in the U.S. and Europe, will become the dominant strain in Korea during the next viral wave.

According to the KMI, the number of new patients is expected to plateau at around 20,000 at the end of this month, and start increasing from next month, leading to a new viral wave.

The KMI's prediction is based on the fact that Covid-19 booster vaccination is currently mainly conducted in high-risk groups, the decline in natural immunity, relaxation of social distancing rules, and the emergence of new variants.

Accordingly, the institute emphasized the need to strengthen Covid-19 variant monitoring by strengthening quarantine for overseas travelers and quickly introducing a bivalent vaccine developed to respond to BA.5.

Also, the KMI pointed out that the medical system should focus on infants and toddlers as there is a high risk of simultaneous outbreaks of influenza, metapneumovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus.

On Tuesday, the number of new confirmed Covid-19 cases rose to over 40,000 for the first time in 34 days.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) confirmed 43,759 new Covid-19 infections, including 71 cases from abroad, bringing the total caseload to 25,355,350.

The nation also reported 17 more Covid-19 deaths, raising the death toll to 29,017. The fatality rate stood at 0.11 percent. The number of critically ill patients came to 225, down one from the previous day.

According to the KDCA, about 44.68 million among 52 million Koreans have been fully vaccinated. In addition, about 33.64 million people had received their first booster shots, and 7.52 million had their second booster shots.