Seoul COVID-19 Confirmed Cases Asymptomatic Rate Increases from 29.7% to 31.2%

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] On the 30th, to mark the 1st anniversary of the ‘Mimiwi Gangnam COVID-19 Briefing,’ we will greet you live via the Gangnam-gu Office YouTube channel.

It is 4:01 PM, and although I am nervous as this is my first live broadcast, I am encouraged by the many supportive messages in the chat. Please watch until the end, and if you post questions in the chat, I will answer them in the latter part of the briefing.

The COVID-19 vaccination in Gangnam-gu, which began on the 26th of last month, is progressing well. Vaccinations are currently underway for 13,954 first-quarter target groups, including nursing hospitals and facility staff, and first responders, with 13,163 people vaccinated as of yesterday. This is a 94.3% vaccination rate.

Vaccinations for 784 residents and workers aged 65 and older in nursing hospitals and nursing facilities, which started last Tuesday, are also running smoothly. So far, 258 people (32.9%) have been vaccinated.

Fortunately, there have been no adverse vaccine reactions reported in the region so far. To date, 73 people have experienced mild symptoms such as fever or cough after vaccination, but all recovered within a day or two and are living healthily.

Many people may also be curious about the vaccination for 28,819 Gangnam-gu residents aged 75 and older (born before December 31, 1946), which will begin on April 15.

You can get vaccinated at the vaccination center set up at ‘Ilwon Eco Center (Ilwon-dong 4-12),’ and a shuttle bus will be operated for your convenience. So far, 13,268 people (46.4%) have registered, and since vaccinations are by appointment, those wishing to be vaccinated should bring their ID and register at the nearest community service center by the 31st.

The third wave of COVID-19, which began in earnest last November, has continued for five months. As of midnight on the 30th, there were 447 new confirmed cases nationwide, an increase from the previous day’s 300-level count after six days.

According to Seoul city’s announcement the previous day, the average daily confirmed cases in Seoul over the past week (March 21?27) were 122.4, up 5.1 from 117.3 the previous week. The proportion of asymptomatic cases increased from 29.7% to 31.2%. The quarantine authorities warn that COVID-19 infections in the metropolitan area could explode at any time and urge caution.

With more people going out in spring and religious events such as Easter and Ramadan next month, special caution is needed. At times like these, proactive specimen testing based on the infectious disease response principle of ‘early detection, early containment’ is crucial. Residents are encouraged to visit temporary screening clinics or the Gangnam-gu Public Health Center for specimen testing if they experience any symptoms.

Now, let’s watch a video on Gangnam-gu’s major policies and the progress over the past year.

This is the status of confirmed cases in Gangnam-gu. As of this day, cases up to number 1518 have been confirmed. Cases 1513, 1516, and 1517 are family members of previously confirmed Gangnam-gu residents, and case 1515 tested positive after contact with a confirmed case from another region. Cases 1512, 1514, and 1518 were confirmed after showing symptoms such as fever, but their infection routes are unknown, and epidemiological investigations are ongoing.

Currently, 1,494 people are under self-quarantine managed by Gangnam-gu, including 609 overseas arrivals and 885 domestic contacts.

The cumulative number of specimen tests conducted at the Gangnam-gu Public Health Center screening clinic and temporary screening clinics is 285,642. Of the 2,537 tests conducted the previous day, 56 were overseas arrivals and 2,481 were domestic residents.

Regarding support measures for possible vaccine side effects, Gangnam-gu operates a dedicated team of eight public officials and medical staff to respond immediately to adverse reactions after vaccination. An ambulance is also prepared for emergencies. If an adverse reaction occurs after vaccination, a basic investigation by the public health center is conducted within four hours, followed by measures through Seoul city and the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency.

We are also fully prepared to ensure rapid compensation claims. For information related to Gangnam-gu’s vaccination, please refer to the district office website.

In the United States, over 140 million vaccine doses have been administered, but COVID-19 cases are rising again due to the spread of variants and easing of lockdown measures in some areas.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, warned that easing restrictions is premature and emphasized the need to continue vaccinating over 3 million people daily. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also recommended vaccination, stating that the benefits of COVID-19 vaccines outweigh the risks.

Vaccination is the start of regaining lost daily life. Residents are urged to trust the government and make a little more effort to win the war against COVID-19.

The cumulative number of specimen tests at Gangnam-gu Public Health Center screening clinics and temporary screening clinics has exceeded 280,000. Since the early stages of the outbreak, Gangnam-gu has allowed not only residents but also people from other regions, symptomatic or not, to receive free specimen testing.

For reference, although Seoul city plans to reduce temporary screening clinics to one per district, Gangnam-gu operates two clinics?the only district in the Gangnam area?with locations near Samsung Station Exit 6 and Bangjukso Park in Segok-dong.

As we have pioneered free specimen testing and smart infectious disease management centers in Korea, all Gangnam-gu staff will continue to do their best to ensure residents’ health and safety until the COVID-19 situation ends.

Residents are reminded 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.

Finally, cherry blossoms have begun to bloom at Yangjaecheon, a pride and landmark of Gangnam. It is expected to reach full bloom this weekend. Last year, the first year of COVID-19, passage was inevitably prohibited. However, this year, it will be open.

This is a measure to allow residents to enjoy freely. The only request is to maintain social distancing, follow one-way walking paths, and wear masks. Please enjoy the cherry blossoms while thoroughly practicing personal quarantine.