[W Forum] Is a Coexistence Strategy with COVID Possible?

Shin Hyun-young, member of the Democratic Party of Korea.

Although the Level 4 social distancing measures in the Seoul metropolitan area have been extended, the number of COVID-19 confirmed cases continues to set new records daily. Due to various factors such as the emergence of variant viruses and pandemic fatigue, we have no choice but to endure the Level 4 tunnel "long and thick." This is a common challenge faced by countries around the world. Overcoming the difficulty of creating original solutions in the absence of exemplary cases or a pandemic bible to refer to is also a task we must tackle.

There are growing calls to "accept COVID-19 like the flu" and "shift to a high-risk group-centered quarantine system." The cases of the Euro 2020 football matches where masks were removed and Singapore’s declaration to stop counting confirmed cases are thus seen as bold and pioneering moves.

As more people find it difficult to sustain their lives due to economic hardship rather than virus infection, a quarantine strategy focused on high-risk groups could be a reasonable alternative to accelerate the transition to normal life. However, certain prerequisites must be met to avoid jeopardizing quarantine efforts through premature transition.

First, the burden of diagnosis must be lightened. The weight of diagnosis remains significant due to the cost of testing, the notification system that takes more than a day, several hours of waiting in screening clinics, and the cost of genetic testing to distinguish variants. Therefore, the social cost of diagnostic testing arising from easing quarantine measures needs to progress more effectively.

Second, there must be convenient treatment options available even after testing positive, such as oral antiviral drugs. If there were immediate treatment drugs like Tamiflu for the flu, the burden of infection could be reduced. Although the development and pre-purchase of COVID-19 related therapeutics are being considered, it is still difficult to assert whether they can be applied to everyone in all situations like Tamiflu.

Third, measures to minimize the aftereffects of the coronavirus must be established. Compared to the aftereffects experienced during recovery from the flu, some reports indicate that post-COVID-19 symptoms such as loss of smell, fatigue, cognitive impairment, and cough have a more severe impact on life. Detailed research on the actual conditions and measures to minimize these aftereffects must be carefully prepared.

Fourth, we must steadily develop a two-track vaccination strategy, including securing domestic vaccine sovereignty and acquiring highly effective vaccines from overseas.

Better vaccination plans for next year in preparation for this year’s vaccination schedule, efforts to supply and develop vaccines effective against emerging variants targeting the entire population without blind spots, will be basic requirements for advanced countries in the era of infectious diseases.

In this regard, the government’s recent announcement of becoming one of the top five global vaccine hubs will be an important starting point for the excellent talent in Korea’s biohealth sector to leap forward.

Fifth, national consensus that home self-treatment is possible even if infected with COVID-19 must precede. A treatment system that allows constant communication with medical staff during self-treatment, an emergency transport system, and stable provision of medical personnel and hospital beds capable of treating severe patients must be established first. Trust in these systems will help reduce anxiety among confirmed cases.

To accept COVID-19 as part of our lives, experts and the government must lead the way in starting preparatory work so that the public can accept scientifically based COVID-19 diagnosis, treatment, and quarantine systems.

Rather than focusing solely on the immediate battle with the virus in the second half of 2021, we hope Korea will become a country strong against infectious diseases by seeking a shift in posture to prepare for a systematic long-term war.

Shin Hyun-young, Member of the National Assembly, The Democratic Party of Korea