Even as Cases Increase, Severe Case Rate Decreases... With Corona Plan Proceeding as Scheduled

Record High of 2,383 on Sunday
Kim Bu-gyeom "Cannot Ask People to Endure"
Social Distancing Likely to Be Extended Again

On the 27th, as the spread of COVID-19 continues, an official is moving Pfizer vaccines at the vaccination center set up at Bukahyeon Culture and Sports Center in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul. Photo by Moohonam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporters Sojeong Seo, Jihui Kim] The number of new COVID-19 cases in South Korea reached a record high for a Sunday, with 2,383 new infections reported on the 27th. Despite the surge in cases, the government plans to proceed with its "With Corona (gradual return to normal life)" strategy as planned, given the reduced fatality and severity rates.

The Central Disease Control Headquarters announced that as of midnight, 2,383 new cases were confirmed, bringing the total to 303,553. Particularly, due to large-scale movement during the Chuseok holiday, the proportion of cases outside the metropolitan area has again approached 30%, signaling the start of a nationwide large-scale outbreak.

Among the new locally transmitted cases, the metropolitan area reported a total of 1,673 cases (71.0%), with Seoul at 773 and Gyeonggi at 755, showing a decrease in proportion. Meanwhile, non-metropolitan areas saw an increase with a total of 683 cases (29.0%), including 115 in Daegu and 101 in Gyeongnam. With the upcoming holidays of Gaecheonjeol and Hangeul Day early next month, another surge could occur.

The government stated that there will be no change to the With Corona plan despite the surge in cases. Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum said the day before, "It is difficult to keep asking the public, who have cooperated for one year and eight months, to endure indefinitely."

89.6% of the Public Believe "Ending COVID-19 is Impossible... It Should Be Managed Like the Flu"

On the 27th, as the spread of COVID-19 continues, the vaccination center set up at Bukahyeon Culture and Sports Center in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, is bustling with citizens. / Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

The majority of the public also agrees on the necessity of With Corona. The National Medical Center commissioned the Korea Gallup Survey Research Institute to conduct a public perception survey of 1,550 adults nationwide from the 18th to the 23rd of last month. The results showed that 89.6% agreed with the statement, "It is impossible to end COVID-19, and it must be continuously managed with vaccinations like the flu." In contrast, only 42.5% agreed with easing quarantine measures. The National Medical Center explained, "This suggests that a simple and abrupt transition is not appropriate, and sufficient prior measures and preparations based on scientific evidence are necessary."

Experts also agreed that due to the spread of the more transmissible Delta variant, which has caused the number of cases to far exceed government expectations, it is important to carefully adjust the timing and pace of the With Corona transition. Professor Shinwoo Kim of the Department of Infectious Diseases at Kyungpook National University Hospital predicted, "If we switch to With Corona without controlling the number of cases, daily infections could reach 10,000 to 20,000 within just a few weeks."

Professor Jaehun Jung of Gachon University College of Medicine said, "Since vaccinations have reduced deaths and fatality rates, we should actively prepare for With Corona." According to monthly statistics, the number of deaths, which reached 250 in January this year, decreased to 184 in August. During the same period, the fatality and severity rates dropped from 1.43% and 3.16% to 0.35% and 2.17%, respectively. The government plans to shorten the interval between Pfizer and Moderna vaccine doses to accelerate completion, and administer booster shots to high-risk groups in the fourth quarter. Vaccinations for children, adolescents, and pregnant women will also be implemented.

Meanwhile, the current social distancing measures (Level 4 in the metropolitan area and Level 3 in non-metropolitan areas), which are set to expire on the 3rd of next month, are likely to be extended. The government plans to announce adjustments to the measures on the 1st of next month after monitoring this week's situation and the impact of the Chuseok holiday.