UK Records Zero New COVID-19 Deaths on the 1st... What’s the Secret?

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Reservations for the AstraZeneca vaccine for citizens aged 74 and under closed on the 3rd. The government expects to achieve its target of ‘13 million+α in the first half of the year.’ With the nationwide reservation rate estimated to have exceeded 80%, Gangnam-gu recorded 74.7%, with the highest rate of 75% among those aged 65-69, followed by 72% for kindergarten and 1st and 2nd grade elementary school teachers.

The quarantine authorities decided to prioritize leftover vaccines for citizens aged 60 and over who did not apply in advance but wish to be vaccinated. Accordingly, from the 4th, citizens aged 60 and over can register their names on the medical institution’s standby list via phone or visit. Those under 60 can only apply through Naver or Kakao.

The authorities also stated, “We will prioritize distributing the Janssen vaccine, of which 100,000 doses are reserved, to the elderly,” but added that there is no choice of vaccine.

As it marks 100 days since the start of domestic vaccinations, an atmosphere of gratitude is spreading mainly among young people online, with many saying, “I was lucky to be born in Korea and received free vaccination,” and joining donation campaigns. Additionally, the ‘leftover vaccine reservation service’ launched on the 27th of last month is being praised as a service “only possible in IT powerhouse Korea,” drawing envy from Japan and the rest of the world.

Vaccinations at Gangnam-gu’s centers, Ilwon Eco Center and Gangnam Tourism Information Center, are progressing well. The daily number of vaccinations is 900 at the Eco Center and 430 at the Tourism Information Center, totaling over 1,300 people.

Vaccination dates and times are notified sequentially to the target groups, proceeding in order of oldest age first. Fourteen shuttle buses are operating to ensure the elderly can travel comfortably. Gangnam-gu Office is committed to ensuring that all approximately 23,000 residents aged 75 and over who consent to vaccination receive their vaccines by the end of this month.

The UK, which had the highest COVID-19 death toll in Europe, recorded zero new deaths on the 1st for the first time since March last year. This is attributed to the effect of being the first country in the world to start vaccinations. Among UK adults, 75% have received at least one vaccine dose, and about 50% have completed the second dose. The US is also accelerating, with over 60% of adults having received at least one dose, and on the 1st, the number of new confirmed cases fell below 20,000 for the first time since the COVID-19 outbreak began in earnest.

According to a recent announcement by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, ‘coincidental deaths’ without verified causality after COVID-19 vaccination are 2.62 per 100,000 people for AstraZeneca and 2.71 for Pfizer.

At a recent seminar hosted by an academic institute, experts answered the question “Which vaccine would you like to receive?” with “The vaccine you can get the fastest.”

Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum emphasized, “While we have focused on vaccinating the elderly and high-risk groups so far, in the second half of the year, we must start restoring daily life beginning with schools.” Vaccination is the start of regaining lost normalcy.

Now, let me explain the COVID-19 status and major policies in Gangnam-gu.

As of the 4th, Gangnam-gu has confirmed cases up to number 2600. Cases 2587 to 2589 and 2594 to 2597 tested positive as family members of previously confirmed Gangnam-gu residents. Cases 2590 to 2593 and 2598 to 2600 were confirmed with symptoms such as fever but their infection routes are unknown, and epidemiological investigations are ongoing.

As of the 4th, Gangnam-gu is managing 2,023 self-quarantined individuals, of whom 1,338 are overseas arrivals and 685 are domestic contacts.

The cumulative number of tests conducted at Gangnam-gu Public Health Center’s screening clinics and temporary screening sites is 477,902. On the 3rd, among 2,929 tested, 101 were overseas arrivals and 2,828 were domestic residents.

Since last year, Gangnam-gu has been operating a residential treatment center equipped with safety facilities such as negative pressure equipment at a local hotel for asymptomatic and mild confirmed cases to stay and receive treatment. Over 300 residents have sent thank-you letters and messages to medical staff and district office employees, which has been a great encouragement and comfort. One resident who was admitted with her husband and later discharged sent a handwritten letter saying, “I was scared as symptoms kept appearing, but I was grateful for the kindness and consideration of the center’s staff. I will never forget the hearts of those who protect us with such a difficult mission.”

Another resident sent a message saying, “Thanks to the care and consideration of the medical staff, I recovered quickly. I deeply thank all the medical staff and related personnel.”

Despite the difficult situation, it was rewarding to see that the efforts of Gangnam-gu employees were recognized by the residents admitted. Gangnam-gu provides a ‘4-week health management program’ for residents who have been declared fully recovered.