Health Authorities: "COVID-19 Enters a New Phase"...Effectively Acknowledge Community Transmission (Comprehensive)

Confirmed Cases with Unidentified Infection Sources Occur Consecutively
Head of Quarantine Countermeasures Headquarters Evaluates "New Phase" in Briefing on the 18th

Jung Eun-kyung, Head of the Central Disease Control Headquarters

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] The Central Disease Control Headquarters, which oversees the response to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), recently described the situation as a "new phase" after a series of cases with unclear infection routes were confirmed.

Jung Eun-kyung, head of the Central Disease Control Headquarters at the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, said at a briefing on the 18th, "Initially, cases were occurring among patients who had traveled from China and their close contacts, but since mid-month, many cases without epidemiological links in the community have been reported in various countries," adding, "We consider this a phase where the outbreak that started in Wuhan is progressing into another wave through secondary and tertiary infections."

Previously, countries such as Singapore, Japan, Thailand, and Taiwan have reported consecutive cases of patients who neither traveled to China nor had contact with existing patients, raising concerns about community spread. In South Korea, the three patients confirmed over the past three days (patients number 29 to 31) have no history of overseas travel nor contact with confirmed patients. This increases the likelihood of community transmission with unidentified infection sources.

Jung said, "Three patients without travel history were identified domestically yesterday and today, and it is still difficult to definitively state epidemiological links," but explained, "As the authorities expand case definitions and conduct extensive testing, similar cases may be reported, which is why we call this a 'new phase'." She added, "While continuing quarantine strategies such as screening incoming travelers and self-isolation of contacts, we see this as a time to simultaneously activate measures to prepare for community infection."

This phenomenon aligns with the characteristics of COVID-19. Even if infected, symptoms may be absent or mild initially, making it difficult for patients to recognize symptoms themselves. Moreover, the virus has a high transmission potential from the early stages of infection, increasing the likelihood of rapid spread. The authorities are also revising guidelines on how frontline medical institutions should respond when suspected patients visit, anticipating possible future outbreaks.

Jung urged, "If you have visited countries or regions with confirmed community transmission, such as China, within the past 14 days, please refrain from outside activities as much as possible and observe handwashing and cough etiquette," and added, "Carefully monitor for fever or respiratory symptoms for 14 days after entry, and if symptoms develop, please visit a screening clinic or contact the 1339 consultation center."