신규확진 540명...정부 "아스트라제네카와 백신 계약…타업체 계약 내주께 발표"

Meanwhile, the daily virus tally in the country remained above 500 today. But, in some weclome news, health authorities say the government has reached a deal with vaccine maker AstraZeneca.
Min Suk-hyen reports.
South Korea reported 540 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday… the second straight day with more than five-hundred cases.
Of Thursday's cases, 516 were locally transmitted and only 24 were from overseas.
More than 80 percent of the newly confirmed cases were concentrated in the greater Seoul area ... with the capital reporting 260 infections, while Gyeonggi-do Province and Incheon saw 137 and 22 cases, respectively.
This now brings the country's total cases to over 35-thousand.
Cluster infections have been reported in multiple spots, including schools, hospitals and a call center in Seoul's Gangnam-gu district.
Health officials warn that continued outbreaks could lead to an explosive increase in the number of coronavirus patients....and urge the public to adhere to strict social distancing measures.
"Infections are spreading nationwide through various channels, mostly affecting working age groups... Even the slightest sign of complacency could lead to a spike in cases."
The number of critically ill COVID-19 patients rose to 117, after 16 more were added from the previous day.
The country's death toll for the virus increased by three to 529.
Meanwhile, health authorities say that the government has completed an agreement with AstraZeneca to purchase its vaccine.
Details of the contract will be shared next week once negotiations with other vaccine developers have been finalized.
South Korea has been working to purchase COVID-19 vaccines from five major firms, such as Pfizer and Moderna, which are in their third phase of clinical trials.
Min Suk-hyen, Arirang News.