Prime Minister Kim "Considering Expanding Oral Antiviral Treatment to Those Aged 50 and Over"

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Son Seonhee] Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum stated on the 25th that the target age for oral COVID-19 treatments is "under review to be lowered to 50 years and older."

During a meeting at the Government Sejong Complex in the afternoon, Prime Minister Kim said, "The approximately 200 people who have taken the medication so far have definitely experienced its effectiveness." He added, "If you take the oral treatment, you will not progress to severe or critical condition. That has been clearly demonstrated," emphasizing, "The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency's report suggests using it as actively as possible, even if it means reducing the dosage."

Previously, the government had set the target for oral treatment at seniors aged 65 and older but later expanded it to those aged 60 and above.

Regarding the spread caused by the Omicron variant, Prime Minister Kim said, "Unlike other countries, our country has a very high third-dose vaccination rate among high-risk groups," adding, "It will not surge hundreds of times like in Japan." He further stated, "The prediction that confirmed cases will increase to 100,000 to 200,000 is a very pessimistic view," and said, "Those working with the government expect the peak to be around 30,000 cases."

In response to political demands for an increase in the recently submitted supplementary budget bill worth {$_14 trillion, he retorted, "Where will the money come from?" Prime Minister Kim said, "If Yeouido decides that 'we must protect these people even if it means borrowing,' the government would have to consider it, but we cannot say in advance that we will 'borrow money,'" drawing a clear line. This is interpreted as expressing concern about issuing additional deficit bonds.

Prime Minister Kim also said, "Inflationary pressures are more severe than expected. We cannot ignore the impact of interest rates," and added, "If presidential candidates provide alternatives between their pledges and the realistic measures we can implement, we will review them."