"High Risk of Infection Among Acquaintances and Family in Multi-Use Facilities"
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] Kwon Deok-cheol, the 1st Deputy Head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (Minister of Health and Welfare), recently addressed concerns about the supply of COVID-19 vaccines, stating, "We will introduce and administer the vaccines originally planned and the additional quantities soon to be contracted without any setbacks," and urged, "Please trust the government and actively participate in vaccination."
Deputy Head Kwon stated during the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting on the 20th, "We will do our best to ensure that 3 million people are vaccinated by April and 12 million people by the first half of the year without any disruptions." He added, "We will overcome fierce competition between countries for vaccine procurement and variables related to safety to secure additional supplies without delay," and "The government will mobilize all its capabilities to thoroughly manage any adverse reactions."
To this end, he announced, "By the end of this month, a total of 264 vaccination centers will be established in all cities, counties, and districts to enable the fastest possible administration of the vaccines already secured."
Deputy Head Kwon diagnosed the situation by noting that the average daily number of new COVID-19 cases from April 11 to 17 was 621, an increase of 42 compared to the previous week, stating, "A precarious situation continues where infections spread through multi-use facilities such as gyms and academies, extending to acquaintances, families, and schools." He also emphasized, "Although the government and local governments are conducting on-site inspections, it is ultimately most important that every individual strictly follows basic quarantine rules in all living spaces," and urged, "Facility managers should thoroughly ensure compliance with basic rules such as maintaining visitor logs, checking temperatures, ventilation and disinfection, and minimizing the use of shared items for the safety of users."
He also stressed the importance of proactive testing. Deputy Head Kwon said, "As community infections continue to occur in daily life, the key has become how quickly hidden infections can be detected," and emphasized, "The government will respond with full force by expanding proactive testing targeting high-risk group living facilities and other areas where outbreaks are ongoing."
Meanwhile, in nursing hospitals and facilities where regular testing and vaccinations have been conducted, group infections are on the decline. Deputy Head Kwon stated, "In other high-risk areas and facilities, infections can be reduced through active proactive testing and vaccination, but there is still a possibility that group infections could occur again at any time," and requested that related ministries and local governments "re-examine places where elderly people use or visit, such as church small gatherings and door-to-door sales presentations, to ensure there are no infection risk factors."
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