"Increase in Confirmed Cases Expected in December"... Importance of Masks and Facility Ventilation
[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jeong] Ahead of the transition to a phased return to normal life (With Corona) next month, the number of new COVID-19 cases in South Korea has risen back to the 2,000 range after 20 days. Health authorities are on alert as various events and gatherings are expected to continue this weekend, especially among foreigners, in celebration of Halloween Day.
The Central Disease Control Headquarters announced that as of midnight, 2,111 new COVID-19 cases were confirmed domestically, bringing the total to 358,412. Of these, 2,095 were locally transmitted and 16 were imported cases. This is 159 more than the previous day, which saw a sharp increase of 686 cases. The recent rise in cases is attributed to the slight relaxation of private gathering limits since the 18th, leading to more meetings, as well as a decrease in vigilance ahead of the With Corona transition.
The outbreak continues to be centered in the metropolitan area. By region, Seoul reported 785 cases, Gyeonggi 707, and Incheon 136, totaling 1,628 cases (77.7%) in the metropolitan area. The number of locally transmitted cases in the metropolitan area remained in the 1,000s for the second consecutive day. Outside the metropolitan area, cases were reported mainly in Daegu (106), Chungnam (82), Chungbuk (54), and Busan (51). The death toll increased by 11 from the previous day, reaching a total of 2,808, with a fatality rate of 0.78%. The number of critically ill patients rose by 4 to 345.
Professor Jung Jae-hoon of Gachon University College of Medicine said, "The number of confirmed cases is not expected to decrease significantly going forward," adding, "With the phased return to normal life starting next month, the number of cases is expected to increase further."
The government assessed that the re-entry into the 2,000 case range was influenced by a relaxation in vigilance regarding quarantine measures.
Park Hyang, head of the COVID-19 Central Accident Response Headquarters' quarantine team, said at a briefing, "The occurrence of cases in the 2,000 range is due to accumulated factors such as quarantine relaxation, easing of social distancing, and increased mobility," adding, "The easing of distancing seems to have lowered vigilance."
Park also conveyed that many experts predict an increase in new cases toward the end of this year. He said, "Based on vaccination trends, experts expected cases to rise around mid-November to December."
He noted, "While the rise in vaccination rates is preventing a rapid increase in cases, underlying factors include lowered vigilance, increased mobility, infections mainly among the unvaccinated, and breakthrough infections," adding, "Booster shots have started, but breakthrough infections, especially among vulnerable groups, appear to be acting in combination."
Ahead of Halloween this weekend, he urged individuals and facility owners to strictly adhere to quarantine rules.
Park emphasized, "Unlike previous regulatory approaches, the biggest change now is that individuals must comply with quarantine rules and facility owners must participate in autonomous quarantine," adding, "It is important to wear masks except during meal times and to strictly follow rules regarding high-risk behaviors."
He also said, "ventilation issues in workplaces, multi-use facilities, and homes are important," adding, "While local governments will conduct enforcement to increase effectiveness, it is most important to follow basic rules well."
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