Infection Spread Originating from IM Mission Society... Lunar New Year Holiday is a Critical Point

COVID-19 Cases Near 500 Mark

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jeong] As infections originating from IM Missionary Society spread in all directions, the '3rd wave' of the pandemic, which had been showing a gradual decline, is facing a new critical point. The duration is longer than the 1st and 2nd waves, and cluster infections are frequent, indicating signs of prolongation. With the winter season, when the virus is rampant, and the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday (February 11?14) just two weeks away, the quarantine authorities are on high alert.

According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, as of midnight on the 27th, there were 497 new confirmed cases, approaching the 500 mark. Although this is 62 fewer than the previous day, nearly 500 confirmed cases are still occurring, reigniting the fading embers of the 3rd wave.

In particular, infections are spreading around unauthorized educational facilities operated by the IM Missionary Society, further increasing the scale of infections. Confirmed cases related to Daejeon IEM International School under the IM Missionary Society and missionary training courses have risen to 176, and 147 confirmed cases have been reported from two Gwangju TSC International Schools and related churches, totaling 323 confirmed cases.

Community infections are also serious. On this day, there were 258 confirmed cases in the Seoul metropolitan area, including Seoul and Incheon, and 221 confirmed cases in non-metropolitan areas, including 53 in Busan, 44 in Gwangju, and 43 in North Gyeongsang Province. As infections spread throughout the community, the number of confirmed cases is expected to increase further.

The Lunar New Year holiday two weeks from now is a critical point. The government is deliberating whether to extend the ban on private gatherings of five or more people. Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun emphasized at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting that day, "How we spend the Lunar New Year holiday is also an important variable, and we must ensure fairness in quarantine rules and social acceptance."

The government plans to announce this weekend whether to adjust social distancing measures?currently at level 2.5 in the metropolitan area and level 2 in non-metropolitan areas?and whether to extend the ban on private gatherings of five or more people. Some local governments have proposed lifting the ban only on Lunar New Year's Day, but the government is concerned that easing restrictions might send a relaxation signal, creating gaps in quarantine measures. This is because gatherings through family and relatives visiting hometowns could lead to widespread transmission nationwide, especially to the elderly.

Professor Lee Jae-gap of the Department of Infectious Diseases at Hallym University Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital said, "Around last year's Chuseok holiday, daily confirmed cases were only about 100, but now they are nearly five times higher at around 500," adding, "As the 3rd wave continues and cluster infections keep emerging, the duration of the wave will be much longer than during the 1st and 2nd waves." He also expressed concern, saying, "Quarantine rules are being gradually relaxed, lengthening the tail of the 3rd wave. If quarantine rules are not properly followed around the Lunar New Year holiday, infections in the community and among the elderly will increase."