Government: "Slight Increase in COVID-19 Cases... Efforts to Minimize Additional Mpox Outbreaks"

As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to stabilize, the government urged compliance with quarantine rules, noting a slight increase in confirmed cases following the lifting of the indoor mask mandate.

Park Min-su, the 1st Chief Coordinator of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (2nd Vice Minister of Health and Welfare), is presiding over the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting on the 3rd.
[Photo by Ministry of Health and Welfare]

On the 3rd, Park Minsu, the 1st General Coordinator of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (Vice Minister of Health and Welfare), stated in his opening remarks at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting, "The average daily number of COVID-19 confirmed cases last week was about 13,000, a 3% increase compared to the previous week. The nationwide weekly COVID-19 risk level has remained 'low' for 15 consecutive weeks, and the severe bed occupancy rate is 41%, indicating sufficient capacity."

Coordinator Park emphasized, "Although the COVID-19 outbreak is being managed stably, the number of confirmed cases has shown a slight continuous increase since the indoor mask-wearing mandate was lifted. While this is not a level of concern, we kindly ask everyone to continue adhering well to basic personal quarantine rules such as wearing masks, washing hands, and ventilating indoor spaces."

Based on lessons learned during the COVID-19 response, the government is currently formulating a 'Mid- to Long-term Plan for Preparing for New Infectious Disease Pandemics' and plans to hold a public hearing on the 4th. The hearing will be broadcast live on YouTube.

Additionally, regarding the recent increase in confirmed cases of Mpox (monkeypox), Coordinator Park stated, "The infection routes are limited to skin contact and others, and with vaccines and treatments secured, it is a disease that can be sufficiently managed." He added, "We ask the public to thoroughly practice personal hygiene such as handwashing to prevent infection and to avoid close contact with strangers."

He continued, "If you have suspicious symptoms such as rashes, please contact your local health center or the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency call center at 1339." He added, "The government will closely monitor the quarantine situation and make every effort to minimize additional occurrences."