Government: "New COVID-19 Cases in the 30s... Risk Factors Remain" (Update)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] On the 9th, the government emphasized that although the daily number of new COVID-19 cases has dropped to the 30s, risk factors still remain.

Kim Kang-lip, the 1st General Coordinator of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (Vice Minister of Health and Welfare), stated at the regular briefing held at the Government Complex Sejong on the same day, "Since the 31st patient was confirmed on February 18 and the number of new patients increased to 53 thereafter, the number of confirmed cases has reached the 30s for the first time in about 50 days."

Kim said, "This is thanks to all members of our society doing their best in their respective roles," but added, "Risk factors still remain."

The government pointed out the possibility that inbound travelers before the implementation of mandatory self-quarantine for all arrivals could act as sources of infection, as well as sporadic cluster infections occurring in academies and entertainment facilities as risk factors.

Kim emphasized, "It is important to block the transmission of infections that may occur among inbound travelers who arrived before April 1 and are only under management through self-management apps or active monitoring until their incubation period ends." He added, "It is also important to cut the links of sporadic cluster infections continuing mainly in academies and entertainment facilities in the metropolitan area."

He stated that securing control over the government's quarantine network is the ultimate goal. Kim said, "Social distancing blocks the transmission routes of COVID-19, preventing secondary infections from unidentified infected patients and breaking the chain of the outbreak," and added, "The ultimate goal is to minimize infections and secure control over the quarantine network where most new infections occur only among people under quarantine or isolation."