Jiyeongmi Commissioner: "The First Year of Daily Recovery"... COVID-19 Grade Relaxation and Annual Vaccination (Comprehensive)

[Asia Economy Reporter Byeon Seon-jin] Ji Young-mi, Commissioner of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, viewed this year as the year to end the three-year COVID-19 pandemic. The first phase of indoor mask mandate adjustment was implemented on the 30th of last month, and the plan is to fully lift mask mandates and ease COVID-19 classification within this year. Regular vaccination like the flu vaccine is also being pursued. The goal is to approach a ‘complete return to normal life,’ where COVID-19 is no longer special but one of many respiratory infectious diseases.

Jiyoungmi, Director of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency

At the first press briefing since her appointment held on the 7th, Commissioner Ji said, “Although the world has not completely escaped the COVID-19 crisis yet, it is clear that we are seeing the end of a long tunnel,” and emphasized, “This year will be the first year to end the emergency phase and transition to normal life.” This is the first time the quarantine authorities have set this year as the end of the pandemic.

The United States plans to end its public health emergency on May 11. Commissioner Ji stated, “Our country also plans to adjust the level of quarantine response by assessing domestic risk and observing overseas situations.” The quarantine authorities are reviewing the early lifting of short-term visa issuance restrictions for arrivals from China, which are scheduled until the end of this month, due to the stabilization of the COVID-19 situation in China. However, Commissioner Ji added, “COVID-19 testing before and after entry for arrivals from China is planned to be maintained until the end of February.”

Commissioner Ji also said, “We will prepare a plan to have COVID-19 vaccinations regularly, like flu vaccinations.” A plan similar to the U.S., where high-risk groups receive vaccines twice a year and the general population once a year, is being strongly considered.

Additionally, Commissioner Ji reiterated that remaining quarantine measures such as full mask mandate lifting, COVID-19 classification adjustment, and confirmed case isolation obligation adjustments will take place after the WHO’s PHEIC (Public Health Emergency of International Concern) is lifted. At the 14th WHO meeting held on January 30, it was decided to maintain the PHEIC due to uncertainties about new variant emergence and still high fatality rates, despite global immunity to COVID-19 being established. Commissioner Ji said, “The 14th meeting discussed preparing sustainable prevention, surveillance, and response plans after the pandemic ends.” Attention is focused on whether WHO will end the PHEIC at the 15th meeting scheduled for the end of April. Once the second phase of mask mandate adjustment begins, masks can be removed on public transportation such as subways and buses, as well as in hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies. If the current COVID-19 infectious disease classification is lowered from level 2 to level 4, the approach will change to individuals visiting hospitals or clinics for treatment like with the flu when they are sick.