<중CDC> "COVID-19 Spread Slows This Month... Risk of Resurgence Remains"

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] An analysis has emerged that the increase in the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases slowed down from early this month due to the Chinese government's quarantine efforts. However, there are also concerns that it is too early to be relieved, as the possibility of re-spread exists with workers returning to their jobs after the Lunar New Year holiday.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

According to the Chinese Global Times on the 19th, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) analyzed that about 104 cases were identified by the end of December, which corresponds to the initial stage, according to a paper published in the Chinese medical journal Zhonghua Infectious Diseases. The number increased to 653 in the following ten days (January 1?10), then to 5,417 in the next ten days (January 11?20), and further to 26,468 in the subsequent period (January 21?31). However, after the implementation of full-scale quarantine measures, the increase slowed down, with about 12,030 new cases estimated from early this month (February 1?11).

Additionally, the report noted that infections among medical personnel showed a similar increasing trend. According to the report, 1,688 Chinese medical workers were infected with COVID-19.

The report also analyzed that there is a significant difference in mortality rates depending on the region. In Hubei Province, the COVID-19 mortality rate reached 2.9%, whereas in regions outside Hubei, it was only 0.4%.

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

Regarding this, a Chinese CDC official explained, "In Hubei Province, it is difficult to receive timely treatment," adding, "In this region, it took 9.84 days from onset to hospitalization, causing the optimal treatment window to be missed."

The report stated, "Although the spread of infection has shown signs of slowing down since the 11th of this month, the transmission is not over," and warned, "With many workers returning to their jobs after the Lunar New Year, there is a possibility of re-spread. Therefore, it is necessary to implement measures at both regional and workplace levels."