South Korea reports largest daily jump in new cases

South Korea reported 219 more cases of the novel coronavirus, bringing the total number to 3,150, as of 4 p.m. Saturday local time, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).

The country has seen 813 new cases in the past 24 hours, a daily record in terms of new infections. Local authorities have predicted the number of cases in Daegu region, the south-eastern city that has been at the centre of the country's outbreak, will continue to rise. 

First case of reinfection: South Korea reported the first case of reinfection by the new coronavirus on Saturday, according to the KCDC. 

The 73-year-old female patient, who was diagnosed with the virus earlier in the month, was released from a hospital on February 22 after making a full recovery. She was found to have contracted the illness again on Friday, said the KCDC.

Explaining the reason of the reinfection, a KCDC official said the patient may have a weak immune system due to her age. It is also possible the virus was not fully eradicated from the patient in the first place, added the official.