[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Eun-young] As the number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) has exceeded 300 for four consecutive days, authorities have warned that it is a "very serious situation" marking the beginning stage of a large-scale outbreak.
On the 21st, Lim Suk-young, head of the Central Disease Control Headquarters (CDCH) at the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), said at a regular briefing, "The infection reproduction number, a predictive indicator of the epidemic, has exceeded 1.5. One confirmed case is infecting more than 1.5 people," adding, "This is the beginning stage of a large-scale outbreak. It is very serious."
He also stated, "Based on this prediction, the daily new cases next week are expected to reach 400, and over 600 by early December," warning, "If the current spread is not contained, we are at a critical juncture where a nationwide large-scale outbreak surpassing the Daegu-Gyeongbuk region epidemic and the late August metropolitan area epidemic is expected."
He continued, "Any form of face-to-face contact must be reduced to stop the current spread," emphasizing, "Reducing meetings with people and wearing masks are essential to halt the current spread."
Lim added, "Currently, the weekly confirmed cases in the metropolitan area are 175.1, and in the Gangwon region 16.4. If this trend continues, it is predicted that the social distancing level 2 criteria will soon be met."
Level 2 social distancing can be implemented when one of the following is met: ▲ more than double the level 1.5 criteria ▲ sustained outbreaks in two or more regions ▲ nationwide cases exceeding 300.
Accordingly, authorities urged the public to △ cancel face-to-face meetings and appointments until the epidemic is suppressed △ refrain from visiting enclosed multi-use facilities such as sports centers △ undergo prompt testing if symptoms like fever or cough appear.
According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters, as of midnight on the 21st, the number of new domestic COVID-19 cases was 386, marking over 300 cases for four consecutive days. This is the highest daily number since August 27th (434 cases).
In response, netizens expressed opinions such as "Was lowering social distancing to level 1 to reduce quarantine fatigue the problem?", "The level should be raised immediately," and "When were accommodation and travel discount coupons released... this is disappointing."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
