A medical worker takes part in a COVID-19 vaccination simulation in Gwangju. South Korea will begin its vaccination drive on Feb. 26, 2020. (Photo: Yonhap News)
South Korea's daily new coronavirus cases stayed below 400 for the second straight day Tuesday, in part to fewer tests over the weekend.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency reported 357 virus cases from the last 24 hours, including 330 local infections and 27 imported from abroad.
The total caseload in the country reached 87, 681.
Eleven more people died from COVID-19, pushing the death toll to 1,573.
Authorities remain vigilant over the rising reproduction rate of the virus, estimated at 1.12, amid eased social distancing measures.
Meanwhile, they are closely monitoring cases of coronavirus variants, with at least 128 identified so far, which could lead to more virus transmission.
The country is gearing up to launch the first phase of its COVID-19 vaccination program with AstraZeneca's vaccine on Friday.
The first shots will be administered to staff members and patients under the age of 65 at nursing hospitals and other assisted care facilities.
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