Domestic COVID-19 Spread Stabilizes... 31% of Imported Cases from China-Origin Arrivals

Cho Kyu-hong, the 1st Deputy Head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (Minister of Health and Welfare), is presiding over the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting on COVID-19 at the Seoul Situation Center in the Government Seoul Office Building on the morning of the 4th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] As the domestic COVID-19 winter resurgence enters a stagnation phase, the government is discussing measures to strengthen additional quarantine measures for arrivals from China. They also urged additional vaccinations to prevent severe cases among the elderly.

Cho Gyu-hong, 1st Deputy Head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) and Minister of Health and Welfare, stated in the CDSCH meeting remarks on the morning of the 4th, "We must not let our guard down to prevent the spread of COVID-19 from China into the country."

Last week, the average daily confirmed cases were in the 65,000 range, a 2.6% decrease compared to the previous week. While domestic confirmed cases have been fluctuating and stagnating, the number of confirmed cases among arrivals from China is increasing. Among the 460 overseas imported cases last week, 142 (31%) were arrivals from China.

In addition to arrivals from China, starting from the 7th, the government will mandate pre-entry polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing and the input of information into the Quarantine Information Pre-Entry System (Q-Code) for arrivals from Hong Kong and Macau. Deputy Head Cho said, "Considering the spread of COVID-19 in China and the death toll in Hong Kong, this is a preemptive measure to protect public health," adding, "Relevant ministries and local governments should ensure that additional quarantine measures are implemented without any issues."

Deputy Head Cho also emphasized compliance with quarantine rules and vaccination. He said, "Statistics show that for those aged 60 and over, receiving an additional bivalent vaccine improves the prevention effect against severe illness and death by 76% and 80%, respectively, compared to those who have only received two or more doses of the existing vaccine," urging, "Elderly people aged 60 and over should definitely get vaccinated to safely get through this winter."