"Coexistence Instead of Eradication" A Look at 'With Corona' in Five Countries

On the 11th (local time), citizens attended a concert in Copenhagen, Denmark without wearing masks. [Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] As the COVID-19 pandemic has continued for over a year and a half, an increasing number of countries are choosing coexistence instead of eradication, so-called 'With COVID-19' nations. This means managing COVID-19 not as a disease to be eradicated but as a periodically occurring infectious disease. This decision comes from the judgment that the economic and social costs of lockdowns and social distancing outweigh the benefits.

CNN introduced five countries that have declared With COVID-19 policies and said, "It is necessary to observe their strategies." Denmark lifted all quarantine measures on the 10th, stating, "COVID-19 is no longer a deadly threat to our society." Danes can now enter clubs and restaurants without vaccination certificates and do not have to wear masks on public transportation.

Denmark’s return to pre-COVID-19 daily life is thanks to its high vaccination rate. More than 74% of the total population has completed vaccination. Magnus Heunicke, Minister of Health, said, "The infection reproduction number has currently dropped to 0.7," and "It will continue to decrease."

Singapore declared With COVID-19 first in the world in June. The Singaporean government stated at the time, "The bad news is that COVID-19 may never disappear, and the good news is that we can live a normal life with COVID-19."

Instead of restricting daily life, Singapore chose to control the spread through vaccination and strengthen monitoring of hospitalized patients. Those vaccinated were allowed to dine inside restaurants, and the limit on gathering sizes was increased from 2 to 5 people.

However, when confirmed cases surged due to the spread of the Delta variant despite over 80% of the population being vaccinated, Singapore halted further easing of restrictions. Recently, new cases exceeded 1,000, marking the highest number since April 23 of last year.

Thailand, where daily confirmed cases are in the tens of thousands, adopted a With COVID-19 policy to revive its main industry, tourism. Starting next month, Thailand will open major tourist destinations, including the capital Bangkok, to foreign travelers.

Thailand was initially considered a model country for quarantine with its strict policies at the start of the COVID-19 crisis but was hit hard by variant viruses this year. Its vaccination rate is 21.5%, more than 10 percentage points lower than the global average of 31.7%.

South Africa eased some quarantine regulations as infection rates declined. The nationwide curfew was shortened to 11 p.m. to 4 a.m., and the maximum number of people allowed at large gatherings increased to 250 indoors and 500 outdoors. Restrictions on alcohol sales were also relaxed. CNN noted, "Considering that strict social distancing was maintained, including banning all gatherings except funerals, this is a noticeable change."

South Africa’s vaccination completion rate is only 13.2%, but President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed confidence when announcing the easing of restrictions on the 12th, saying, "We have secured vaccines for the entire adult population."

Chile, noted for its successful vaccination campaign, opened its borders after about 87% of the eligible population completed vaccination. Starting from the 1st of next month, Chile will accept foreign tourists in line with the Southern Hemisphere’s summer season. Visitors who have completed vaccination and test negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours before arrival can enter after a 5-day quarantine period.

Jos? Luis Uriarte, Deputy Minister of Tourism, said, "This is an important step for the recovery of the tourism industry, allowing foreign tourists to come to Chile," and added, "If the health situation is well maintained, we can go further."