At the Crossroads of the COVID-19 Pandemic... Health Authorities Warn "If This Continues, Step 2 Will Soon Be Raised"

"Concerns Over Nationwide Large-Scale Outbreak Surpassing 1st and 2nd Waves"
"Daily Cases Could Exceed 600 Early Next Month"
Must Suppress as Much as Possible with Masks and Social Distancing... "Avoid In-Person Gatherings and Appointments" Urged

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Yuri] The daily number of new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) is estimated to exceed 400 next week and over 600 in early next month.

Im Suk-young, head of the Central Disease Control Headquarters (CDCH) Situation Management Team, said at the regular briefing held on the 21st, "The infection reproduction number, a predictive indicator of the outbreak, has surpassed 1.5," adding, "One confirmed case is infecting more than 1.5 people." She explained that this is the beginning stage of a large-scale spread and is very serious. Im emphasized that the only way to suppress the outbreak as much as possible is through masks and social distancing.

Im stated, "If the current spread is not contained, a nationwide large-scale outbreak exceeding the Daegu-Gyeongbuk region outbreak and the metropolitan area outbreak at the end of August is expected during this critical period." She added, "As indoor activities increase and ventilation becomes difficult during the winter season, it becomes even harder to suppress the virus seasonally. Most countries in the Northern Hemisphere are experiencing an increase in infections, and some countries are facing a surge from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of cases daily," noting, "Although our country's outbreak is not at that level, we may face the largest scale outbreak we have experienced so far."

Looking at the trend of confirmed cases in the metropolitan area and Gangwon region, Im said it is predicted that the criteria for raising social distancing to level 2 will soon be met. In the past week (November 15?21), the average daily confirmed cases were 175.1 in the metropolitan area and 16.4 in Gangwon, placing these regions currently within level 1.5. Level 2 social distancing can be raised when one of the following is met: ▲ cases increase to more than twice the level 1.5 criteria ▲ outbreaks persist in two or more regions ▲ nationwide cases exceed 300.

Im urged, "Since silent transmission is accumulating in the community, please cancel face-to-face meetings and appointments unless absolutely necessary until the outbreak is suppressed."