[W Forum] Coronavirus is a Cold Virus

"I have contracted the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). I will take a short break." "I regret not getting vaccinated earlier this year."

Mr. A, a worker in his 30s, tested positive for COVID-19 after his cold symptoms did not improve. Although he has to temporarily leave the workplace, he does not feel too guilty because he receives 'sick pay' and 'replacement personnel' support. Since he has young children at home and it is difficult to isolate from his family, he voluntarily decided to enter a community treatment center during the treatment period. With the mindset of taking a short rest, he prepared to enjoy reading and watching movies he had wanted to do. What if respiratory symptoms worsen? To alleviate such concerns, he receives 'coronavirus education' and has his psychological state checked by experts. Upon discharge, he receives a date for an additional vaccination appointment. South Korea, with its well-established infectious disease response system, is truly something to be proud of. In these times when new infectious diseases repeatedly emerge, living safely in South Korea with family is not something to fear compared to other countries.

The above is a hypothetical scenario at a time when COVID-19 has prolonged and we must live alongside the virus. Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) stated that "the coronavirus does not seem likely to disappear." It is estimated that the antibody prevalence rate among South Korean citizens is below 0.1%. Ultimately, like the flu, vaccines need to be developed and oral treatments discovered so that we can face the virus more flexibly and with greater ease.

The coronavirus is a type of cold virus. The simple cold virus we already knew has returned to our lives through very powerful mutations triggered by certain factors, causing Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), and COVID-19. Behind this lies a punitive cause-and-effect principle: humans have destroyed ecosystems, and as a result, mutant viruses have not only remained in animals but have also been transmitted to humans. It reminds us of the fundamental principle that a world where humans and nature harmoniously coexist, respecting each other's ecosystems?namely 'One Health'?is the key to the Earth's survival and long-term sustainability.

In the 21st National Assembly, various bills and discussions are underway in response to the COVID-19 era. From measures supporting the rapid development of treatments and vaccines, sick pay, hazard pay, psychological support related to COVID-19, revitalization of the livelihood economy and job stabilization, restructuring of the medical system to respond to infectious diseases, strengthening support to other countries through K-quarantine, to tightening regulations addressing global environment and climate change, the National Assembly is working around the clock to build a country safe from infectious diseases.

The medical system also needs restructuring to address both infectious and non-infectious diseases. We must consider what kind of compensation and respect can be given to healthcare workers exhausted by the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic. Expanding public healthcare education for medical students and health professionals is also a major task to strengthen public healthcare. Furthermore, the government must support restructuring the infectious disease system in the private medical sector with public functions to maintain a public-private cooperation system for constant infectious disease response.

For the long-term global recognition of the success of K-quarantine, South Korea faces the challenge of upgrading service models more focused on citizens and patients. In the ontact era that goes beyond untact (non-face-to-face), it is necessary to adjust our physical and mental attitudes toward diseases rather than fear them. In conclusion, to create a world living alongside viruses, it is believed that it will be possible only when the government steps up for its citizens and prioritizes listening to voices from the field.

Shin Hyun-young, Proportional Representative Member of the National Assembly, Democratic Party of Korea