The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) said earlier this week that shipments totaling 262,000 doses have been arriving in phases since mid-August, with approximately 5,000 doses being administered daily.
The number of COVID-19 cases has surged recently, increasing from 226 in the third week of July to 1,444 by the third week of August.
The sudden spike has led to a shortage of treatments, prompting the KDCA to spend 326.8 billion Korean won (approximately US$246 million) to acquire additional supplies.
The newly-secured shipments will primarily be allocated to the elderly and immunocompromised individuals until October.
While the fatality rate of COVID-19 has dropped sharply to levels similar to seasonal flu, the KDCA urges the elderly and vulnerable to remain cautious by adhering to preventive measures such as mask-wearing and maintaining proper hygiene.