New COVID-19 Cases Exceed 150,000 and Severe Cases Surpass 400
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-won] As the number of COVID-19 cases is rapidly increasing again, the government continues to implement targeted quarantine measures by strengthening inspections and management of infection-vulnerable facilities.
Lee Ki-il, the 1st General Coordinator of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (Vice Minister of Health and Welfare), stated in his opening remarks at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting on the 10th, "The infection reproduction number is 1.14, having decreased for three consecutive weeks and approaching 1, but there are still latent risk factors," adding, "We will prepare sustainable quarantine measures that do not halt economic activities and daily life."
According to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, the number of new confirmed cases on that day exceeded 150,000, and critically ill patients surpassed 400. Along with the increase in confirmed cases, cluster infections have also recently risen. In the past four weeks, a total of 116 cluster infection cases involving 2,445 people occurred in nursing hospitals and facilities.
Lee, the General Coordinator, said, "Cluster infection cases commonly show the absence of infection managers during normal times, lack of secured distance between beds, and insufficient separation of movement paths between confirmed and non-confirmed patients," and added, "We will further strengthen inspections and management of infection-vulnerable facilities such as nursing hospitals and facilities."
First, intensive inspections of these facilities will be conducted through infection-dedicated response organizations established in local governments. Excellent response cases will be distributed to each facility and hospital. Additionally, infection control education and scenario-based simulation training will be provided to caregivers and infection managers to enhance on-site response capabilities.
At the meeting, the results of the 'COVID-19 Mental Health Survey for the 2nd Quarter of this Year' were also intensively discussed. Lee explained, "Since the lifting of social distancing on April 18 this year, overall mental health indicators have improved, but the risk group for depression and the rate of suicidal thoughts have increased fivefold and threefold, respectively, compared to before COVID-19." He added, "In particular, vulnerable groups such as single-person households with decreased income or potential isolation showed very high risk levels."
Accordingly, the government will strengthen tailored support such as mental health projects and visiting counseling centers targeting psychologically vulnerable groups. COVID-19 bereaved families, quarantine personnel, and small business owners belong to these vulnerable groups. Publicity efforts will also be carried out to improve awareness and accessibility of mental health services.
Furthermore, the government explained the current status of the transition to a general medical system centered on local clinics and outpatient care. The one-stop treatment institutions, targeted at 10,000 locations, have currently achieved 97%, and 1,574 beds have been secured, exceeding the target (1,435 beds) by 110%.
Lee, the General Coordinator, said, "We will continue to promote targeted quarantine measures focusing on infection-vulnerable facilities such as nursing hospitals and facilities where elderly people live," and urged, "We ask the public to continue practicing quarantine rules in daily life."
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