"If a COVID Variant Spreads, Infectious Disease Reproduction Number Will Rise from 0.82 to 1.2"

Since the first variant virus was detected on the 28th of last month, 27 cases have been found in one month... Health authorities warn that if the variant spreads widely in Korea, the current infection reproduction number of 0.82 could rise to 1.2

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases worldwide has surpassed 100 million. Considering the global population is close to 8 billion, this means approximately one in every 80 people has been infected.

As of the 25th, according to the international statistics site Worldometer, the cumulative confirmed cases reached 100,225,137. According to The Washington Post, COVID-19 is classified as one of the 'Top 10 Global Pandemics' in human history with the highest number of casualties.

The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that from the end of last month until recently, 4 to 5 million new cases have been reported globally each week.

Although the Pfizer vaccine was first administered in the UK last month, globally the vaccination pace is struggling to keep up with the rapidly spreading variants.

Anthony Fauci, Director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, pointed out a study showing that the fatality rate in certain age groups in the UK increased from '1 in 1,000' to '1.3 in 1,000,' warning that "greater damage may come in the future."

Meanwhile, the Joe Biden administration has tightened quarantine measures since its inception. Following Brazil, Ireland, and 26 European countries, South Africa has also been added to the list of countries with entry restrictions, and all passengers aged two and above on public transportation such as buses and subways are required to wear masks.

Countries considered 'models of quarantine' like New Zealand and Taiwan have also entered a state of emergency alert.

New Zealand, which reported locally transmitted cases for the first time in two months since November last year, mandates all incoming travelers to present a negative test result before boarding aircraft. Taiwan, with a cumulative total of around 800 confirmed cases, ordered self-quarantine for about 5,000 medical staff and visitors after a cluster infection occurred at a hospital earlier this month to prevent further local spread.

As of midnight on the 26th, South Korea reported 354 new COVID-19 cases, down from 437 the previous day. According to health authorities, the average daily confirmed cases last week (January 17?23) were 384.0, a decrease of 132.1 from the previous week (January 10?16, 516.1 cases). New cases in Seoul have also remained around 100 daily. The government analyzes that the situation has entered the level 2 social distancing criteria.

According to Seoul city, the average daily confirmed cases last week (January 17?23) were 125.1, about 20 fewer than the previous week (145.9). Cases with unknown infection routes also decreased by 1.5 percentage points from 28.6% two weeks ago to 27.1%, and asymptomatic cases dropped from 37.0% to 31.6% during the same period.

However, infections continue in daily life, and cases of variant virus infections are increasing. The government announced that 9 additional cases of variant virus infections were confirmed yesterday, including 4 from the UK, 3 from South Africa, and 2 from Brazil.

Since the first confirmed variant virus case on the 28th of last month, 27 cases have been identified over the past month. Previously, health authorities warned that if variants spread widely in the country, the infectious disease reproduction number, currently at 0.82, could rise to 1.2.

We have already experienced early in the COVID-19 crisis that adherence to daily quarantine rules is the most reliable vaccine. We urge all residents to remember that even a small lapse can lead to a large outbreak, and to strictly follow quarantine rules such as wearing masks and social distancing.

Now, let me explain the COVID-19 status and key policies in Gangnam-gu.

This is the status of confirmed cases in Gangnam-gu. As of the 26th, cases have been confirmed up to number 1141. Cases 1137 and 1141 are related to a cluster infection at a local call center, while cases 1138 to 1140 were confirmed positive after testing following entry into the country.

As of the 26th, Gangnam-gu is managing 942 individuals in self-quarantine, of whom 699 are overseas entrants and 243 are domestic contacts.

The cumulative number of tests conducted at Gangnam-gu Public Health Center's screening clinics and temporary screening sites is 175,936. On the 25th, among 1,494 tested individuals, 60 were overseas entrants and 1,434 were domestic residents.

The government's COVID-19 vaccination plan to achieve herd immunity is being finalized. According to reports submitted yesterday to President Moon Jae-in by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, and the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, vaccinations will begin next month prioritizing elderly people in group living facilities and medical staff. In the second quarter, vaccinations will start for general elderly aged 65 and over, and in the third quarter, for adults with chronic diseases and adults aged 19 to 64.

The government plans for 70% of the entire population to be vaccinated by September and to establish herd immunity before November. President Moon Jae-in also expressed hope, saying, "The past year was a time of defense, blocking the virus through social distancing; from now on, it will be a time of quarantine through vaccines and treatments."

Separately, I believe that currently, the best approach is to strictly follow quarantine rules such as social distancing and mask-wearing and to conduct proactive testing to find hidden infections.

In this regard, Gangnam-gu operates temporary screening clinics at four locations within the district (near Exit 6 of Samsung Station, Gaepo Digital Innovation Park, Bangjuk Small Park in Segok-dong, and Apgujeong 428 Public Parking Lot). So far, 31,392 tests have been completed, identifying 117 confirmed cases.

Recently, a cluster infection occurred at a local call center, causing concern among residents. Gangnam-gu plans to conduct intensive inspections of compliance with key quarantine rules at 264 call centers, multi-level marketing businesses, and door-to-door sales offices until the 29th. We ask for active and voluntary cooperation from these businesses.

The 26th marks one year since Gangnam-gu entered an emergency work system due to COVID-19. It has also been one year since I started wearing this civil defense uniform as everyday wear. Just as we have led proactive quarantine systems such as free testing and the smart infectious disease management center, all Gangnam-gu staff will continue to do their best to ensure the health and safety of residents until the COVID-19 situation ends. We urge all residents to remember that following basic quarantine rules such as wearing masks and social distancing in daily life is the only way to protect ourselves from COVID-19.