Infection Reproduction Number Below 1
Considering Overseas Situation and Domestic Influx Possibility
Discussion on Lifting Indoor Mask Mandate
Cho Kyu-hong, the 1st Deputy Head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (Minister of Health and Welfare), is delivering opening remarks at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting on the 11th. [Photo by Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters]
[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] The domestic COVID-19 winter resurgence has clearly shifted to a declining trend. However, it is still too early to be complacent due to variables such as arrivals from China.
Jo Gyu-hong, the first deputy head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) and Minister of Health and Welfare, stated in the CDSCH meeting on the morning of the 11th, "The average daily number of confirmed cases last week was in the 59,000 range, decreasing for two consecutive weeks, and the infection reproduction number fell below 1 for the first time in 12 weeks," adding, "This indicates that the 7th wave is turning into a declining phase."
However, Deputy Jo explained that it is necessary to continue monitoring domestic and international conditions. Among 320 short-term arrivals from China the previous day, 47 were confirmed positive, with a cumulative positivity rate of 17%. Additionally, the proportion of the new BN.1 variant domestically rose to 35.7% last week, which is also a variable.
The adjustment of the indoor mask-wearing mandate is also expected to be decided soon. Deputy Jo explained, "We will comprehensively discuss and proceed with related indicators such as the number of confirmed cases, vaccination rates, overseas situations, and the possibility of domestic influx."
The four criteria previously presented by the government are ▲ stabilization of patient occurrence ▲ reduction in severe and fatal cases ▲ stable medical response capacity ▲ immunity acquisition in high-risk groups. Among these, two criteria?stabilization of patient occurrence and stable medical response capacity?are considered to have been met.
The government also repeatedly emphasized vaccination during the winter season. Deputy Jo stressed, "The bivalent vaccine shows excellent effectiveness in preventing severe illness and infection against the currently circulating Omicron variant," and urged, "We strongly encourage seniors aged 60 and above and those with underlying conditions, who are high-risk groups, to get vaccinated."
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