"Reflecting Delta Variant Characteristics... Also Meaningful for Bed Efficiency"
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] The government has shortened the recommended hospitalization period for COVID-19 patients in infectious disease-dedicated hospitals and residential treatment centers from 10 days to 7 days.
On the 27th, Park Hyang, head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) quarantine team, explained during a COVID-19 briefing, "Currently, nearly 90% of infections in the country are due to the Delta variant," adding, "At first, since the characteristics of the virus were not well understood, the hospitalization period was managed by adjusting it from 2 weeks from symptom onset to 10 days."
Park continued, "After reviewing clinical results, it was observed that viral shedding peaks one to two days after symptom onset and then sharply declines, prompting discussions on the hospitalization period criteria," and stated, "With the recent surge in confirmed cases, it has been recommended to set the hospitalization period to one week from symptom onset for symptomatic patients and one week from the confirmation date for asymptomatic patients."
The official notice regarding the revised hospitalization period was already delivered to local governments on the 24th. Meetings were held among local governments in the metropolitan area over the weekend, and non-metropolitan areas have also begun preparations, with full implementation starting from today.
The government plans to reduce the hospitalization period for asymptomatic or mild COVID-19 patients admitted to infectious disease-dedicated hospitals and residential treatment centers. However, even after 7 days have passed according to the revised recommendation, patients can continue to receive treatment based on the judgment of the attending medical staff. Son Young-rae, head of the CDSCH social strategy team, added, "(Discharge after 7 days) will be determined based on the presence or absence of symptoms," emphasizing, "If symptoms remain and treatment is necessary, patients will not be discharged even after one week."
Patients discharged after 7 days must also self-isolate for 3 days. Park explained, "Patients will be discharged after 7 days and then follow self-isolation guidelines for 3 days," adding, "The purpose is to ensure compliance for about 3 days."
Regarding the significance of this shortened hospitalization period recommendation, Park said, "Since the recommendation to shorten the period has just been made, some time is needed before implementation. The criteria for bed allocation also need to be revised and supplemented, which will affect the availability of beds," and added, "Please view this as a measure to increase patient accommodation capacity and improve bed efficiency."
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