COVID-19 Domestic Cases Decline for 3rd Week... "Effect of Vaccination"

On the 15th, when the COVID-19 full vaccination rate reached 62.5%, the vaccination center set up at Bukahyeon Culture and Sports Center in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, was crowded with citizens seeking to get vaccinated. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jung] As the domestic COVID-19 vaccination completion rate increases, the number of new confirmed cases is showing a declining trend.

The Central Disease Control Headquarters announced on the 15th that with the vaccination completion rate rapidly increasing within a short period, the domestic occurrence of COVID-19 has been decreasing for three consecutive weeks.

According to the Disease Control Headquarters, the number of domestic COVID-19 confirmed cases reached 3,242 on September 25, right after the Chuseok holiday, but then slowed to the 2,000 range, and in the following week dropped below 2,000.

The daily average of domestic confirmed cases decreased from 2,488 in the fifth week of September to 1,961 in the first week of October, and further to 1,557 in the second week of October. The vaccination completion rate rapidly rose from 39% on September 12 to 62.5% as of midnight on the day.

The Disease Control Headquarters explained, "The decrease in confirmed cases is the result of strengthened quarantine management after the Chuseok holiday, social distancing, the rise in vaccination completion rate, and the active participation of the public."

However, the increase in activities such as travel during the recent autumn foliage season could be a variable that may worsen the outbreak.

A Disease Control Headquarters official urged, "Please refrain as much as possible from interregional movement, gatherings, and outings; cancel unnecessary appointments and group events; strictly follow basic quarantine rules such as wearing masks, washing hands, and ventilating indoor spaces for more than 10 minutes every hour." He added, "After traveling or attending gatherings during weekends or holidays, carefully monitor for symptoms and get tested immediately if any suspicious symptoms appear."

Meanwhile, the Disease Control Headquarters emphasized practicing handwashing in the current COVID-19 situation, noting that the day is the United Nations (UN) designated 'Global Handwashing Day.' According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), proper handwashing can reduce diarrheal diseases by about 30% and respiratory diseases by about 20%.

The Disease Control Headquarters added, "Simply washing hands well can prevent many infectious diseases including COVID-19, respiratory infections like influenza, and gastrointestinal infections such as hepatitis A," and stated, "The habit of washing hands well is a 'self-vaccine' that protects not only your own health but also the safety of others."