SEOUL, Jan. 26 (Yonhap) — Daily coronavirus cases in South Korea have surpassed 13,000 as the omicron variant has caused a spike in infections, Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum said Wednesday.

Kim made the remarks at a COVID-19 response meeting, saying the spread of the highly contagious omicron has begun in full force.

Kim also announced a new testing regime that will take effect on Saturday, which will focus on the administration of rapid antigen tests.