[2022 National Audit] KDCA "Indoor Mask Mandate to Be Gradually Eased After Winter"

Baek Gyeong-ran, Commissioner of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, is attending the National Assembly's audit of the Ministry of Health and Welfare held on the 5th, responding to lawmakers' questions. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-won] The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) announced that it is discussing plans to ease the indoor mask mandate after the winter season.

On the 5th, during the National Assembly Health and Welfare Committee's audit, the KDCA reported in its 'Major Task Progress Status' document that "after discussions with the National Infectious Disease Crisis Response Advisory Committee, we plan to discuss adjustment measures regarding the criteria, scope, and timing of the (indoor mask mandate)." It added, "We are currently discussing a phased easing direction following the winter epidemic." Previously, the quarantine authorities lifted the mask-wearing mandate for outdoor events and games with gatherings of 50 or more people starting from the 26th of last month.

At the audit, KDCA Commissioner Baek Kyung-ran stated, "The COVID-19 resurgence has passed its peak, and the number of cases has been decreasing for five consecutive weeks," evaluating the quarantine situation as a clear decline in the epidemic. The KDCA predicted, "COVID-19 confirmed cases will decrease to 10,000 to 20,000 in mid-October, and daily deaths will drop to the tens." However, there is a possibility of simultaneous influenza outbreaks during the winter, and a seventh resurgence is expected between December this year and March next year.

Regarding the bivalent vaccines used for winter vaccinations, the KDCA explained that approximately 60 million doses of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines will be introduced sequentially. Concerning vaccination targets, it stated, "We will expand the target groups in order according to the supply of bivalent vaccines: second priority (people in their 50s and those with underlying conditions), and third priority (adults aged 18 and over)."

The KDCA plans to continuously incorporate safety research results from domestic and international accredited institutions to expand the scope of diseases eligible for compensation and support related to COVID-19 vaccination adverse effects. Previously, in March, the recognized causal relationship for vaccines was expanded to include myocarditis, and in May, to pericarditis. Additionally, the KDCA intends to improve its information system to provide real-time updates on the progress of compensation applications to applicants.

Furthermore, the KDCA announced plans to enhance infrastructure to strengthen evidence-based quarantine systems. To enable accurate infectious disease forecasting, predictive and analytical equipment will be sequentially introduced through the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST). Also, to ensure rapid and efficient infectious disease response, development of the 'Integrated Quarantine Information System,' which integrates and links infectious disease information by stages, will commence this month and is scheduled for its first launch next year. The Integrated Quarantine Information System aims for completion in 2024.