The daily average number of students in primary and secondary schools testing positive for COVID-19 over the past week stood at around 260, the highest recorded since the pandemic began.

According to the Education Ministry on Thursday, daily cases ranged from 203 to 333 from last Thursday to Wednesday. The 203 cases recorded Wednesday could also rise as the tally hasn’t been completed.

A ministry official said while infections among family members and relatives following the recent Chuseok holiday seem to outnumber those within schools, infection routes have yet to be confirmed.

Daily new cases among teachers and school staff, meanwhile, ranged from six to 14 during the same seven-day period.