[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] On the 3rd, the government expressed concern regarding the domestic spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), stating that "the number of confirmed cases is not decreasing from the 500 range."
Kang Do-tae, the 1st General Coordinator of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) and Vice Minister of Health and Welfare, said at the CDSCH meeting held at the Government Complex Sejong that "a considerable number of cases are emerging in the metropolitan area, but with a rapid surge in the Chungcheong and Gyeongnam regions, the increase rate in non-metropolitan areas is also sharply rising."
The government stated that cluster infections in daily life continue and the number of severe patients is also increasing. Kang, the 1st General Coordinator, said, "Cluster infections in daily life are sequentially continuing mainly among those under 50 years old who have high activity levels, and the number of confirmed cases with unclear infection routes and critically ill patients is also increasing, making the situation difficult."
He referred to a study by German researchers published in the academic journal Nature Neuroscience, emphasizing, "COVID-19 is not just a passing cold," and added, "It not only causes respiratory symptoms but also invades the brain, causing loss of smell and taste, and can seriously infect the central nervous system."
He further urged, "If you have such symptoms, please promptly get tested at a nearby screening clinic. The longer you delay testing, the higher the risk of infecting your family, acquaintances, and colleagues."
At the meeting, the CDSCH reviewed plans to expand hospital beds by region in preparation for the increase in critically ill patients and discussed care system measures in the COVID-19 era.
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