The number of COVID-19 patients being treated at home and those under quarantine could reach 1 million by early March. 

Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) Commissioner Jeong Eun-kyeong was asked during a parliamentary session of the possibility, which she confirmed. 

Jeong added the number of new COVID-19 infections is doubling every three weeks, and while the number of critically-ill is decreasing, the increase in infections among those over 60 needs to be watched closely. 

She said though many have been boosted, there are unvaccinated people who are vulnerable to a bad case of the virus if infected, and said the situation will be observed closely for a couple more weeks.

At-home care patient numbers are estimated at 146,445 on Monday. 

The government had earlier announced that at-home treatment will now focus on patients 60 and older or patients in their 50s with underlying conditions who are eligible for COVID-19 pills.