Gang Do-tae "High Possibility of Prolonged 3rd Wave... Use Phone Calls Instead of Year-End Gatherings"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The government emphasized that "there is a very high possibility that the third wave will be prolonged" as the year-end and New Year holidays approach, a time when movement and contact between people increase, in relation to the domestic spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

Kang Do-tae, the 1st General Coordinator of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) and Vice Minister of Health and Welfare, said on the 30th, "Small-scale infections occurring in various multi-use facilities are spreading to large-scale infections through family, acquaintances, and colleagues."

According to the CDSCH, the number of confirmed cases remained high even during weekends, when the number of COVID-19 tests is usually relatively low.

Kang, the 1st General Coordinator, urged, "As asymptomatic infections are increasing mainly among young people, it is difficult to break the chain of transmission with the existing diagnostic testing and tracing system alone. Even if you have no symptoms, please get tested if you suspect infection."

Starting December 1, the nationwide 'social distancing' level will be raised to level 1.5. At the meeting held on the same day, the CDSCH plans to focus on reviewing the situation by region and the status of hospital beds. In particular, they will thoroughly check whether sufficient residential treatment centers and intensive care beds are secured according to regional needs.

Kang, the 1st General Coordinator, stated, "We have been promoting (quarantine measures) with the goal of balancing daily life and quarantine and maintaining normal life as much as possible, but nationwide participation in strengthened social distancing is necessary to prevent the prolongation of the third wave."

He appealed, "Please replace year-end and New Year gatherings with phone calls or messages, and protect each other's health by thoroughly practicing personal quarantine rules and social distancing."