The number of new confirmed Covid-19 cases on Tuesday surpassed 60,000, the highest since mid-September.

According to the KDCA, Korea added 62,273 new Covid-19 infections, including 52 cases from abroad, bringing the total caseload to 25,919,183.

The figure on Tuesday is the highest number in 54 days since Sept. 15. When looking at Tuesday alone, it is the highest figure in nine weeks since Sept. 6.

The nation also reported 30 more Covid-19 deaths, raising the death toll to 29,420. The fatality rate stood at 0.11 percent. The number of critically ill patients came to 360, down five from the previous day.

With virus cases again increasing, the government plans to announce a set of antivirus measures on Wednesday, including ways to expand vaccine shots and oral medicines and to better protect high-risk groups.

Health authorities had previously warned that highly contagious Omicron subvariants could trigger a virus resurgence in Korea, with cases possibly peaking as high as 200,000 during the season.

Due to the increase in cases, KDCA commissioner Peck Kyong-ran stressed that health authorities have suspended talks about lifting indoor face mask measures.

“Experts were reviewing the easing the mandatory mask policy, but as the number of Covid-19 patients is increasing, the mask policy will be maintained for the time being and will be re-discuss the issue when the epidemic calms down,” Peck said during a National Assembly budget meeting on Wednesday.

According to the KDCA, about 44.69 million among 52 million Koreans have been fully vaccinated. In addition, about 33.67 million people had received their first booster shots, and 7.55 million had their second booster shots.