Daily new COVID-19 cases jumped above 70-thousand to hit their largest in 69 days.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency said Tuesday that 72-thousand-873 new cases were compiled the previous day, including 81 imported from overseas, bringing the total caseload to about 26 million-654-thousand.

The daily tally more than tripled from a day ago and marks the largest in 69 days since September 14, when it posted about 94-thouand, but increased by a mere seven from a week ago.

The number of critically ill hospitalized patients is down by four from a day ago to 461, staying above 400 for the fourth consecutive day.

Monday reported 45 deaths, raising the cumulative toll to 30-thousand-111. The fatality rate stands at zero-point-11 percent.