Health Authorities Warn "If Careless, Increase in Confirmed Cases Expected Next Week or During Seollal Holiday"

Yoon Tae-ho, Head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters' Quarantine General Division [Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chun-hee] The quarantine authorities have warned that while the daily number of new COVID-19 cases in South Korea has recently remained around an average of 400, there is a high possibility of an increase in confirmed cases again due to cluster infections in places such as churches and increased citizen mobility.

Yoon Tae-ho, head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters' quarantine team, said at the COVID-19 regular briefing on the 27th, "The third wave is still ongoing, and despite the efforts and sacrifices of many people, a considerable number of around 400 cases occur daily," adding, "This is not a situation to lower our guard, and if we become complacent now, the number of cases is likely to increase next week or during the Seollal holiday."

Yoon warned, "Recently, weekend mobility has sharply increased again," and added, "Due to successive cluster infections, the downward trend in cases has somewhat stalled, and with increased mobility, there is a high possibility that the spread could resume at any time." According to the quarantine authorities, mobility in the metropolitan area last weekend (23rd?24th), analyzed through mobile phone data, was 29.4 million cases, which is a 12% increase compared to the previous weekend (16th?17th). It also increased by 31% compared to early this month.

Regarding the cluster infections related to the IM Missionary Society, Yoon explained, "As of 10 p.m. on the 26th, 297 cases were confirmed across six facilities," and added, "On-site inspections were conducted at 40 locations, and testing orders or recommendations were notified mainly to 32 facilities currently in operation." He said, "In spaces where deviations occur, it is only a matter of time before COVID-19 cases emerge and spread," and noted, "While management and control partially function in preventing deviations, I believe participation and cooperation are even more important," urging compliance with quarantine guidelines.

On the 27th, medical staff are warming their hands by a heater at a temporary screening clinic for COVID-19 set up at Seoul Plaza. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

Yoon emphasized, "Cluster infections can occur anytime in close-contact, crowded, and enclosed spaces," and said, "Please avoid gatherings of many people in enclosed indoor spaces, and if you must stay, please strictly follow quarantine rules by ventilating as much as possible and wearing masks."

He continued, "If you have even the slightest suspicious symptoms, please get tested immediately," and repeatedly urged, "I ask the public to thoroughly comply with quarantine rules in all aspects of daily life so that the current downward trend achieved through your participation can continue."