Gang Do-tae "The spread is hardly calming down... It's right under our nose"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The government emphasized that "COVID-19 is an urgent situation that has reached right under our noses" in relation to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) domestically.

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 1st, "The daily number of confirmed cases has been in the 400-500 range for six consecutive days and is not calming down easily."

The third wave is spreading nationwide through chain infections in daily life, including various family and acquaintance gatherings such as kimjang (kimchi-making) meetings, senior-junior and alumni gatherings, as well as indoor exercises like dance and aerobics.

Kang, the 1st General Coordinator, said, "If you take off your mask, it is difficult for anyone to avoid the threat of the coronavirus anywhere," adding, "As we approach the year-end and New Year holidays, the government, medical community, and the public must all firmly tighten their guard to prevent the third wave from exploding."

As the nationwide 'social distancing' level is raised to level 1.5 starting today, the government emphasized, "The key is to avoid visiting places where infections are likely to occur and to refrain from activities with a high risk of infection."

Kang urged, "Please refrain from gatherings involving meals, refreshments, and drinking, even if small in scale, and avoid indoor exercises and singing where droplets spread easily for the time being." He added, "Above all, washing hands frequently and wearing masks at all times is the best vaccine."

At the meeting on the same day, the CDSCH reviewed precise quarantine measures and medical response systems by region and examined plans to introduce a non-face-to-face medical treatment system for the efficient operation of residential treatment centers. The government expects that through the non-face-to-face medical treatment system, infection risks will be reduced and prompt measures can be taken if a patient's condition worsens through continuous monitoring.