COVID-19 Cases Surge in Singapore and Germany After 'With Corona' Declaration

With Corona, quarantine regulations eased as confirmed cases and deaths increase

The number of COVID-19 cases surged in Singapore and Germany, which first implemented the 'With Corona' policy.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] In Singapore and Germany, which have declared a 'gradual return to normal life' (With COVID-19) coexisting with COVID-19, the number of confirmed cases has recently surged, leading to an increase in deaths as well.

According to German authorities on the 23rd (local time), the number of new confirmed cases per 100,000 people in Germany over the past seven days reached 100, marking the highest level in five months since mid-May. On a daily basis, 9,276 new cases and 44 deaths were recorded on the 23rd.

In September, Germany revised its Infection Protection Act, changing the criteria for deciding whether to strengthen COVID-19 measures from the number of new confirmed cases per population to the number of hospitalized patients. The government also eased restrictions, effectively transitioning the quarantine system to 'With COVID-19.'

New confirmed cases are showing a clear increase, especially among 10-14 year-olds with low vaccination rates and in medical facilities such as nursing homes and care centers. German health authorities expressed concern that new cases will expand further as winter approaches.

In Singapore, which declared 'With COVID-19' in June to manage COVID-19 at the level of the flu, confirmed cases are also rapidly increasing. Singapore announced a four-step roadmap for 'With COVID-19' in August and began easing restrictions from the 19th of the same month, after which cases started to rise sharply. Consequently, in September, the allowed number of people gathering was reduced from five to two, and remote work was made mandatory again.

However, despite these measures, the upward trend in confirmed cases in Singapore did not subside. On the 21st, Singapore recorded 3,439 new COVID-19 cases and 16 deaths. On the following day, the 22nd, there were 3,598 new cases and 6 deaths.

In response, health authorities decided to extend the mandatory remote work, the private gathering limit of two people, and remote classes?measures that were scheduled to end on the 24th?until the 21st of next month.

Meanwhile, South Korea, having achieved a vaccination completion rate exceeding 70% of its population, is on the verge of 'With COVID-19' early next month. According to the government and health authorities on the 24th, the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters announced that it will reveal a draft implementation plan for 'With COVID-19' at a public hearing on the 25th.