COVID-19 Hospitalizations in South Korea Surge Rapidly as COVID-19 Positivity Rate Hits 22.5 Percent!
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Aug 11, 2025 3 hours, 43 minutes ago
Medical News: COVID-19 Hospitalizations in Korea See a Sharp Rise
South Korea is once again facing a worrying rise in COVID-19 cases, with hospitalizations doubling in just the past month. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), the situation is especially concerning for older adults and vulnerable communities, prompting urgent calls for stronger prevention measures. In recent weeks, this
Medical News report highlights that COVID-19 patient numbers have been climbing steadily, straining healthcare resources and raising fears of another difficult period ahead for the nation.
COVID-19 Hospitalizations in South Korea Surge Rapidly as COVID-19 Positivity Rate Hits 22.5 Percent
The latest figures show that the number of hospitalized patients at hospital-level medical institutions has been rising for five consecutive weeks and is likely to keep increasing through August. The KDCA is advising everyone to follow respiratory infection prevention guidelines, but it is placing special emphasis on high-risk groups such as senior citizens, people with weakened immune systems, and those in nursing facilities.
Numbers Paint a Clear Picture of the Surge
During the 31st week of 2025, covering July 27 to August 2, sample surveillance of new inpatient infections from 221 hospitals recorded 220 inpatients — roughly twice the figure from just four weeks earlier. Among the current 3,526 COVID-19 hospitalized patients, 60 percent were aged 65 or older. Another 18.3 percent were in the 50–64 age range, while 9.6 percent were between 19 and 49. The data suggests that older populations remain the most vulnerable to severe illness, but middle-aged adults are also significantly affected.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare predicts the upward trend will persist throughout August. The positivity rate for COVID-19 tests has now climbed for four weeks in a row, reaching 22.5 percent in the last week of July. Wastewater monitoring, which can detect rising infections before they appear in official case counts, has also shown a steady increase since late June.
Government and Health Officials on High Alert
The KDCA has intensified its surveillance, not just within the country but also by monitoring global COVID-19 patterns. It has been working closely with hospitals, clinics, and related government agencies through on-site inspections and joint meetings. Officials are also reviewing stockpiles of medicines, protective equipment, and hospital bed availability in preparation for a potential spike.
KDCA Commissioner Lim Seung-kwan warned that seasonal factors such as hot weather, vacation travel, and more indoor gatherings are accelerating the spread. He urged anyone showing symptoms like fever, cough, or sore throat to seek prompt medical attention and avoid going to work until they recover. Masks are still recommended in crowded or enclosed areas, especially for people at higher risk.
Looking Ahead
The KDCA will convene t
he Inter-Ministerial Task Force on Respiratory Infectious Diseases in mid-August to evaluate the summer outbreak and make decisions on treatment supplies and hospital capacity. Experts are warning that unless preventive measures are strengthened, hospitalizations may continue to climb into early autumn. The current trends suggest that public cooperation, timely medical care, and careful monitoring will be essential in preventing a more severe wave. While the rise in COVID-19 cases is concerning, proactive actions now could help reduce pressure on hospitals and save lives, especially among those most at risk.
References:
https://www.phwr.org/journal/archives_Supple_View.html?eid=U3VwcGxlX251bT0xMzk=
https://www.koreabiomed.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=28550
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