[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyungsoo] Due to increased movement and meetings/contact during the Chuseok holiday period, the number of COVID-19 confirmed cases is expected to rise further.
Lee Sang-won, head of the Epidemiological Investigation and Analysis Team at the Central Disease Control Headquarters (CDCH), stated at the regular briefing on the 20th, "A significant increase in contact and movement was frequently observed before Chuseok," adding, "Therefore, there is a possibility that COVID-19 confirmed cases will increase as a result."
He explained, "Since contact increases during the Chuseok holiday, there are many factors that could lead to a rise in cases," and added, "The increase pattern is more likely to be gradual rather than explosive." The government will also strive to prevent an explosive outbreak that could burden the healthcare system, Lee said.
The government has been urging people to refrain from traveling and gathering continuously to prevent the spread of COVID-19 caused by asymptomatic and mild cases who were not diagnosed during the Chuseok holiday.
Lee requested, "Although it is regrettable, please reduce meeting times a little and ventilate frequently to the extent that it might seem excessive." He repeatedly emphasized that if there is even a slight abnormality after enjoying the holiday, people should get tested immediately.
He continued, "Confirmed cases are rapidly increasing worldwide again," and explained, "The world is facing a time of crisis once more."
Since July, the number of cases in major Northern Hemisphere countries with high vaccination rates has increased more than 5 to 10 times. Lee emphasized, "Our country is relatively suppressing the number of cases well amid this wave," but added, "We need to make even greater efforts."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
