With the Emergence of XE Variant... Government Considers Reinstating Social Distancing Depending on Transmission Rate

Discussion Underway to Adjust Home Treatment Isolation Period
Future Prospect of Receiving Medication for Confirmed Cases

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki Ha-young] As cases of infection with the 'XE' variant, a recombinant of the Omicron variant (BA.1) and the so-called 'Stealth Omicron' (BA.2), have been confirmed overseas, the government stated that it may consider reinstating quarantine measures such as social distancing depending on the characteristics of the variant.

On the 4th, Son Young-rae, head of the Social Strategy Division at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH), said in a briefing, "Based on the evaluation of three factors?transmissibility, fatality rate, and vaccine resistance?we are considering the possibility of reactivating social distancing and the vaccine pass (proof of vaccination or negative test) quarantine strategies."

Son explained, "We are focusing on assessing how much faster the transmissibility is, how much the fatality rate increases, and whether the infection prevention effect and the severe illness and death prevention effects of existing vaccinations remain effective."

He added, "XE is a variant that emerged following BA.2 within the Omicron lineage. Just as BA.2 was somewhat more transmissible than BA.1 but did not lead to changes in quarantine strategies, we believe XE is likely to be similar."

Regarding future epidemic forecasts, he anticipated that the overall Omicron wave will be prolonged as BA.2 replaces BA.1. Son said, "In other countries, after a major wave of BA.1, BA.2 became the dominant strain, triggering a new wave and forming two epidemic peaks. In Korea, it is expected that as BA.2 replaces BA.1, the overall epidemic will be extended."

Additionally, the government is reviewing adjustments to the home treatment isolation period for COVID-19 confirmed cases, currently set at 7 days from the test date regardless of vaccination status. Park Hyang, head of the Quarantine General Division at CDSCH, said, "There is ongoing consideration regarding the home treatment period for confirmed cases. Discussions are underway, led by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency."

With confirmed cases now able to receive face-to-face medical consultations at local clinics and hospitals, it is expected that patients will also be able to collect medications in the future. Park stated, "Since face-to-face treatment for home care patients is currently permitted, it is appropriate to allow medication collection as well," adding, "We are conducting detailed discussions to finalize the fees for cases where confirmed patients collect medications themselves."