"Securing Hospital Beds Capable of Handling 200,000 COVID-19 Cases" (Update)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Byeon Seon-jin] As severe COVID-19 cases increase amid the 7th wave, the government is securing hospital beds capable of handling 200,000 daily confirmed cases.

Cho Gyu-hong, 1st Deputy Head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (Minister of Health and Welfare), presided over the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) meeting at the Government Seoul Office on the 25th and said in his opening remarks, "Since severe cases are increasing mainly among the elderly, thorough medical response is necessary. We will designate additional severe care beds in hospitals with excellent treatment capabilities."

According to the CDSCH, the COVID-19 infection reproduction number for the third week of November was 1.10, exceeding 1 for five consecutive weeks. When the reproduction number exceeds 1, it indicates 'epidemic spread.' Last week, the number of new severe cases was 409, a 16% increase from the previous week, with 9 out of 10 patients aged 60 or older.

Deputy Head Cho outlined the medical response plan for the resurgence, stating, "We will expand consultation and treatment during vulnerable nighttime and holiday hours, and improve medical accessibility for home treatment patients through sharing bed information and hospitalization coordination between local governments and medical institutions." Regarding residents in vulnerable facilities such as nursing homes, he explained, "We will extend the operation of mobile medical teams capable of home visits and vaccination until January next year and promote incentives for facilities with excellent vaccination rates."

Deputy Head Cho added, "Until December 18, it is the intensive vaccination period. We urge seniors aged 60 and over and those with underlying conditions to get vaccinated promptly to prevent severe illness and infection risk," and "We also ask local governments to further encourage vaccinations in cooperation with regional health and medical councils."

Furthermore, to prepare for the simultaneous winter surge of COVID-19 and influenza, the supply of cold medicine will be stabilized. Deputy Head Cho said, "We have secured increased production of cold medicine by adjusting the drug prices for prescriptions, and we will ensure sufficient supply by cracking down on unfair practices such as hoarding during distribution."