Health Authorities "Preventing a Situation Where COVID-19 Could Bounce Back Like a Spring" (Comprehensive)

Metropolitan Area Outbreak on Edge... "Fear That High-Risk Contacts May Visit During Chuseok Holiday"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jung] "The current situation is one where the large-scale outbreak of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), which can spring back like a spring, is being suppressed through social distancing."

On the 18th, Kwon Jun-wook, Deputy Director of the Central Disease Control Headquarters, said at a regular briefing, "Since the recent COVID-19 outbreak was centered in the metropolitan area, it can be said that the virus has effectively spread nationwide," adding, "This situation is more dangerous and precarious than the previous outbreak." Looking at the trends over the past two weeks, he explained that overall, the effects of social distancing are showing, but it is not a situation to be complacent about.

Deputy Director Kwon warned, "If even one or two cluster infections occur at any high-risk facility or large-scale event anywhere in the country right now, confirmed cases could rapidly increase."

He continued, "It is very important to wear masks everywhere, especially indoors and outdoors where social distancing is uncertain," emphasizing, "We must suppress COVID-19 during this opportunity so that flu vaccinations can be administered, and the upcoming COVID-19 vaccination campaign can proceed smoothly."

"The rapid increase in confirmed cases in Europe is more dangerous than last March"
South Korea ahead of the Chuseok holiday must recognize this as a warning signal

He also expressed concern about the rapidly increasing cases in Europe. Deputy Director Kwon said, "Europe is currently experiencing a larger outbreak than the peak of the first COVID-19 wave last March," adding, "The World Health Organization (WHO) also states that the current situation in Europe is more dangerous than last March, so South Korea, ahead of the Chuseok holiday, must take this as a warning signal and prepare accordingly."

Deputy Director Kwon stated, "It is difficult to find any country in the world that is properly managing COVID-19 outbreaks after lifting lockdowns or easing restrictions," explaining, "This means that responding to COVID-19 is very challenging and difficult." He assessed, "Our current situation, where we are adjusting social distancing levels without going into full lockdown and trying to suppress the outbreak early through active participation of the entire population if a second wave occurs, is actually rare worldwide."

However, he emphasized that since the Chuseok holiday is a critical period, both the quarantine authorities and the public must remain vigilant to prevent a resurgence of COVID-19. Deputy Director Kwon said, "If people return to their hometowns during Chuseok, it is very likely that the elderly will be there," adding, "In metropolitan or urban areas where population density is high, it is very concerning for the quarantine authorities that populations exposed to COVID-19 risks are visiting high-risk groups."

He added, "A separate plan for the entire Chuseok holiday period will be announced soon," and reiterated, "This year, not going to your hometown and spending Chuseok non-face-to-face is true filial piety."

Global COVID-19 outbreak likened to "Third World War"
South Korea will do its best to lead in 2021

The quarantine authorities compared the global COVID-19 outbreak to a Third World War. Deputy Director Kwon said, "Currently, there are 30 million confirmed cases worldwide, and the death toll is approaching 1 million," adding, "This metaphor truly reflects that COVID-19 is one of the worst wars humanity has faced in modern times."

He stated, "To end COVID-19, the majority of the global population must achieve herd immunity through vaccination," and added, "Although very few countries will accomplish this in 2021, I want to say that all research institutions, related agencies, and researchers are working together so that South Korea can complete this within 2021 and be at the forefront."

Meanwhile, on the 18th, 126 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 were reported. Although the number of domestic cases, which had been increasing, dropped to 109 from 145 the previous day, it still remained in the triple digits. The number of severe and critical patients is 150, and 5 more deaths were reported, bringing the total death toll to 377.