(LEAD) New COVID-19 cases in South Korea, around 10,000; the government plans to lift anti-virus measures

(ATTN: UPDATES with regular KDCA briefing and background in paragraphs 5-8)

SEOUL, March 3 (Yonhap) — South Korea reported 10,408 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday, as the government said it would begin discussions on lifting remaining anti-virus measures.

The figure is up 357 from the previous week and slightly above the past seven-day average of 9,195, according to data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).

The total number of cases stood at 30,543,981. South Korea reported 11 deaths, bringing the death toll to 34,014.

Critically ill patients stood at 135, down from 129 the previous day.

The KDCA said it would start discussions on lowering the country’s COVID-19 alert level from the current “serious” to “cautious”, depending on the outcome of the World Health Organization meeting. health on the pandemic, expected around the end of April beginning of May. .

South Korea has maintained a “serious” COVID-19 alert level since February 2020.

The further lifting of remaining virus restrictions, such as the seven-day quarantine rule and the indoor mask mandate in certain areas, will take place after the alert level is adjusted, the public health agency said.

On January 30, South Korea lifted most indoor mask mandates after they had been in place for more than two years.