The number of new COVID-19 cases in South Korea remained below 10,000 for the third straight day ahead of the lifting of the mask mandate on public transport on Saturday.

The country reported 9,259 new COVID-19 infections, including 16 overseas cases, bringing the total to 30,690,223, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) said.

The latest figure was up slightly from the previous day's 9,065 and down 750 from 10,009 a week ago.

KDCA reported four deaths from COVID-19, bringing the death toll to 34,159. The number of patients in critical condition was 129, 11 less than the previous day.

The government plans to lift the mask mandate on public transport on Monday, less than two months after removing mask requirements in most indoor places except for public transport, hospitals and some other high-risk areas.

The mask mandate remains in place in healthcare facilities, pharmacies and other places exposed to infection. Pharmacies operating in open public areas, such as discount stores and train stations, are exempt from the requirement. (clap)