Asymptomatic and Mild Confirmed Cases Under 70 Years Old to Undergo 'Home Self-Treatment' Without Institutional Isolation

Hospitalization factors or infection-prone living environments are not allowed
Existing self-quarantine system to be used, Ansim Band must be worn if leaving quarantine

On the morning of the 8th, medical staff are conducting tests at the screening clinic of Songpa-gu Public Health Center in Songpa-gu, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chun-hee] From now on, even if diagnosed with COVID-19, asymptomatic or mild patients under the age of 70 without hospitalization factors will be able to receive treatment at home without separate institutional isolation, with their consent.

Lee Ki-il, the 1st Controller of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters, announced this during the regular briefing of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters on the morning of the 8th, saying, "To prepare in advance for the phased recovery of daily life scheduled for early November, we have decided to widely expand home treatment, which is currently being implemented on a limited basis." Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum also presided over the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters meeting that day, explaining the purpose by saying, "Considering the changed quarantine conditions such as the increase in vaccination rates and the decrease in severity and fatality rates, this is a measure to prepare in advance for phased daily recovery."

Accordingly, the scope of home treatment, which was previously limited to minors and their guardians, will be expanded to asymptomatic or mild patients under 70 years old. The controller said, "Vaccination rates have increased, and even if they are over 60 years old, their health is quite good," adding, "We considered that those under 70 years old can receive treatment at life treatment centers or at home."

However, there must be no hospitalization factors such as consciousness disorders, respiratory distress, uncontrolled fever, diabetes, mental illness, or patients requiring dialysis, and those living in vulnerable residential environments such as goshiwons or those who have difficulty using applications (apps) or communicating are excluded.

This expansion plan for home treatment will be implemented without a separate start date, as it is already being carried out in some local governments. The controller explained, "It has been ongoing since September 25," adding, "It has already been implemented, and today we received opinions from local governments and organized the details to announce again."

Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum is delivering opening remarks at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting on COVID-19 response held at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 8th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

To receive home treatment, after being diagnosed and if eligible, the confirmed patient must apply to the public health center. Then, after checking health status and living environment, if the city/province bed allocation team decides the patient is eligible, home treatment will be provided. Health monitoring is conducted twice daily through a health management app, and non-face-to-face medical consultations and prescriptions are carried out. Isolation is lifted 10 days after confirmation.

During home treatment, those living with the confirmed patient must use strictly separated spaces. The controller emphasized, "Those undergoing home treatment are confirmed patients," and "They must not mix with other family members." Bathrooms must be used separately, and kitchens should be used separately as much as possible. If spatial separation is unavoidable, guidelines must be followed, such as disinfecting the bathroom with the provided disinfectant after each use.

Also, if there are high-risk individuals among cohabitants, home treatment is not possible. Even if cohabitants have completed the recommended number of vaccinations, PCR testing is mandatory due to concerns about breakthrough infections.

On the 8th, staff at the situation room of the Seoul Metropolitan Government and Seoul National University Hospital Home Treatment Support Center, set up at Seoul National University Hospital, are monitoring home treatment patients. [Image source=Yonhap News]

The government plans to establish a 24-hour emergency contact system and immediate transfer system to prepare for emergencies. Flexible medical systems reflecting the characteristics of home-treated patients, such as the 'Dedicated Life Treatment Center' operated by Seoul City and the 'Short-term Medical Center' operated by Gyeonggi Province, will be established. The controller explained, "If a patient suddenly becomes ill during home treatment, they are transferred by ambulance to a short-term medical center for immediate treatment, and if their condition is stable after a day or two, they return home to continue home treatment until isolation is lifted on the 10th day."

Additionally, non-face-to-face medical consultations and prescriptions will be conducted using community medical institutions, and health insurance fees will be paid. When a community cooperative doctor provides treatment, 30% of the consultation fee is added, and when a medical institution manages the patient, about 81,000 KRW per day is paid.

Patient management will utilize the existing self-quarantine system, and patients must wear a safety band if they leave isolation. Waste generated during the isolation period will be classified as household waste, not medical waste, and will be sealed and disinfected three days after home treatment ends before disposal.