[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] The United States, which has the highest number of COVID-19 cases in the world, is entering a stable phase. The daily new cases, which had exceeded 300,000, have dropped to an average of 100,000 since the beginning of this month.
However, health experts warn that a ‘variant-driven large-scale outbreak’ could occur next month, and in Brazil, the world’s first simultaneous infection of the South African and Brazilian variants has caused authorities to be on high alert.
Accordingly, countries are putting their utmost effort into preventing the spread of the virus. Spain, which recorded the highest number of new cases (724) in ten months since April last year on the 4th, has banned flights from South Africa and Brazil for two weeks.
As of midnight on the 5th, the number of new COVID-19 cases in South Korea was 370, a decrease of more than 20% from the previous day’s 451. According to the quarantine authorities, the average daily new cases over the past week (January 29 to February 4) were 406.
In particular, the average daily locally transmitted cases, a key indicator for adjusting social distancing levels, stood at 376, maintaining the level 2 social distancing range (over 300 nationwide).
However, with cluster infections occurring in various places ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday, the possibility of resurgence is rising again. Additionally, local transmission of the variant virus has been confirmed for the first time in the country. Currently, the cumulative number of variant virus cases is 39, and the quarantine authorities say that further spread of the variant in the community is only a matter of time, so they plan to strengthen management of overseas entrants to prevent a large-scale outbreak.
Meanwhile, after a cluster infection with a cumulative total of 51 cases occurred at a restaurant in Gwangjin-gu recently, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced it would conduct a full investigation of ‘hunting pocha’ (Korean-style drinking establishments).
In this regard, three residents of Gangnam-gu tested positive. Gangnam-gu plans to conduct special inspections of entertainment facilities in the area proactively.
Individual carelessness, complacency, and dishonesty weaken the quarantine network that we have protected with patience and effort. Residents are reminded that simply following basic quarantine rules such as wearing masks, social distancing, and hand washing can reduce the possibility of cluster infections by about 90%. We ask everyone to thoroughly observe personal hygiene rules for themselves and the community with the spirit of ‘Mimiwi Gangnam’?to cooperate, care, and respect each other.
Now, let’s take a look at the COVID-19 status and major policies in Gangnam-gu through a video.
Here is the status of confirmed cases in Gangnam-gu. As of the 5th, cases have reached number 1199. Case 1196 is related to a call center in the area where a cluster infection occurred, case 1197 is related to the Gwangjin-gu restaurant cluster, case 1198 is a family member of a previously confirmed Gangnam-gu resident, and case 1199 tested positive with symptoms such as fever but the infection route is unknown and epidemiological investigation is underway.
Case 1196, announced the previous day, was a hospitalized patient at a university hospital in Seongdong-gu and is included in the Seoul city tally.
As of the 5th, Gangnam-gu is managing 1,099 self-quarantined individuals, of whom 849 are overseas entrants and 250 are domestic contacts.
The cumulative number of specimen tests conducted at Gangnam-gu Public Health Center’s screening clinics and temporary screening sites is 188,661. Among the 1,460 tested the previous day, 41 were overseas entrants and 1,419 were domestic residents.
The government is accelerating free COVID-19 vaccination for all citizens. Many people may have questions about the timing and locations of vaccinations starting this month.
The vaccination order begins at the end of this month with 50,000 dedicated COVID-19 medical personnel, followed by 500,000 health care workers at tertiary hospitals, epidemiological investigators, and quarantine officers in March.
In May, vaccinations will be administered to 8.5 million seniors aged 65 and older, people with disabilities, and welfare facility users, and from July, the entire population aged 19 to 64, including adults and those with chronic diseases, will be vaccinated.
Most residents are expected to receive vaccinations through pre-registration starting in the third quarter. Gangnam-gu plans to vaccinate 320,000 people, which is 70% of the 460,000 residents aged 18 and older, at a rate of 1,500 per day and 36,000 per month.
Additionally, to facilitate smooth free vaccinations, two vaccination centers are planned to be established in the district (Daejin Gymnasium, 62 Gaepo-ro 109-gil, and Gangnam Tourism Information Center, 161 Apgujeong-ro).
Furthermore, those with chronic or underlying diseases are included in the priority vaccination group and are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated. Even those without symptoms or those who have recovered from past infections can receive the vaccine.
Above all, Gangnam-gu is forming a medical-government consultative body with the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency and Seoul city to ensure residents receive free vaccinations quickly and without disruption. The district has also established a special vaccination task force to prepare detailed guidelines for vaccine supply, management, and immediate response to adverse reactions.
Moreover, Gangnam-gu is consulting with related organizations such as the local medical association and nursing association to explore support measures for medical personnel.
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