COVID-19 Cases Rise After 15 Weeks... Central Disaster Management Headquarters "Strengthen Bed Securing and Quarantine Inspections"

Revised Operation Guidelines to Accommodate Confirmed Cases in General Wards
Comprehensive Inspection of Foreign Worker Workplaces by the 29th
Plan to Establish 'Measures for Preparing for Re-epidemic' Based on Expert and Related Agency Feedback

On the 5th, citizens visiting the screening clinic set up at Songpa-gu Public Health Center in Seoul, where the number of new COVID-19 cases has increased by more than 20% in a week, showing signs of a resurgence, are waiting to be tested. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] As the number of COVID-19 confirmed cases, which had been declining for 14 weeks, has turned to an upward trend, the government announced that it will ensure that the medical and quarantine response system, including securing special and emergency beds and strengthening quarantine inspections, can be immediately activated in preparation for the spread of the epidemic.

On the 6th, Lee Sang-min, the 2nd Deputy Head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) and Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, stated this during his opening remarks at the CDSCH meeting. The average daily number of confirmed cases last week was 8,549, and the number of confirmed cases on that day reached about 19,000, marking the highest level in four weeks since the fourth week of May, based on Wednesday.

Deputy Lee said, "The infection reproduction number also exceeded 1 for the first time since the fourth week of March, indicating that the epidemic spread is likely to continue," adding, "We are thoroughly preparing to ensure that the response system, including securing special and emergency beds and strengthening quarantine inspections, can be immediately activated in preparation for the spread of the epidemic."

He emphasized, "We will secure an appropriate level of beds so that special patients such as those in labor, dialysis, and pediatrics can receive treatment without harm even during the resurgence, and respond flexibly to the demand for special beds," adding, "Special patients will be transferred directly to hospitals where admission is possible, and in emergencies, self-admission will also be allowed."

Furthermore, the government will revise operational guidelines to ensure that emergency room functions operate normally and that confirmed patients can be accommodated in general beds. In addition, a comprehensive inspection will be conducted by the 29th targeting workplaces of foreign workers who were vulnerable to infection.

Deputy Lee said, "We will also enhance the system to share the status of emergency room beds in real time with 119 ambulance teams and others, and make every effort in the transportation and transfer of COVID emergency patients," adding, "From today until the 29th of this month, local employment and labor offices will conduct on-site inspections directly at foreign worker workplaces and construction sites, implementing nationwide comprehensive inspections."

Meanwhile, the government plans to prepare measures to respond to the resurgence. Deputy Lee stated, "We will prepare comprehensive measures to respond to the resurgence through consultations with related ministries and experts," emphasizing, "Vaccination is important to wisely overcome the wave of re-spread, and especially high-risk groups are urged to complete their vaccinations."