New COVID-19 cases continue in the 40-thousands for the third consecutive day.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency(KDCA) said Saturday that 40-thousand-903 infections were reported throughout Friday, the highest for a Saturday in seven weeks. 

The tally is down by about 25-hundred from the previous day but up by some 36-hundred from a week ago. Compared to two weeks prior, the figure has risen by 14-thousand, indicating a rebound. 

The country's cumulative caseload stands at over 25-point-eight million.

Health authorities believe a resurgence in the outbreak this winter can increase daily cases to as many as 200-thousand.

A detailed forecast and quarantine plans are expected to be announced on Wednesday.