Operation Rate of Residential Treatment Centers at 67.2%, Approaching 90% in the Chungcheong Region

[Asia Economy Reporter Dongwoo Lee] As the domestic COVID-19 '4th wave' continues, the operation rate of residential treatment centers where asymptomatic and mild patients undergo isolation life was recorded at 67.2%.

According to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) of the Ministry of Health and Welfare on the 17th, as of the previous day, 8,006 people (67.2%) were admitted out of the total capacity of 11,906 across 52 residential treatment centers nationwide.

Among the 52 centers, the operation rate of the Chungcheong region center (1 center) was 89.3%, the Gyeongbuk region center (1 center) was 82.5%, and the Gyeongnam region centers (2 centers) were 76.3%, significantly exceeding the national average, raising concerns that beds may soon become insufficient.

The operation rate of residential treatment centers in the metropolitan area, where about 75% of new confirmed cases are concentrated, is 68.2%.

There are a total of 42 residential treatment centers operated by the government and local governments in the metropolitan area, with a total capacity of 10,356 beds, currently admitting 7,067 people (68.2%) for treatment.

With the addition of 2 metropolitan area centers the previous day, the operation rate fell by 2.8 percentage points from 71.0% on the 15th (7,192 admissions out of 10,130 capacity).

As of the previous day, out of 806 beds nationwide available for severe COVID-19 patients, 549 beds (68.1%) are vacant, and out of 412 semi-intensive care beds nationwide, 169 beds (41.0%) are available.