[Q&A] COVID-19 Endemic... "Can't Rest Even When Sick," "Cases Increasing," "What About Telemedicine?"

The isolation requirement for COVID-19 confirmed cases will change to a 5-day recommendation starting June 1. The mask-wearing mandate at local clinics and pharmacies will also be lifted. However, COVID testing, hospitalization costs, and prescription of treatments will be maintained for the time being to protect high-risk groups. On the 11th, the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) held a meeting chaired by President Yoon Seok-yeol and decided to lower the COVID-19 crisis alert level from 'Severe' to 'Alert' effective June 1. The following is a summary of the Q&A from the CDSCH regular briefing held that day.

Endemic
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Q. Why is the isolation recommendation, originally scheduled for July, being implemented early amid rising COVID cases?

Ji Young-mi, Director of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA): "Although the number of confirmed cases and the XBB.1.16 variant are increasing domestically, we believe our medical response capacity is sufficient. We conduct weekly COVID risk assessments, and the level has consistently remained 'Low.' On the 5th, the World Health Organization (WHO) ended the Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), which also signifies that COVID is no longer an emergency but has transitioned to a stable, routine management system. However, we aimed to maintain protective measures for high-risk groups, such as testing fees and hospitalization costs, as much as possible."

Q. Does this mean that people who get sick with COVID can no longer take time off?

Director Ji: The KDCA is working with the Ministry of Health and Welfare, Ministry of Employment and Labor, and Ministry of Education to establish a culture where people can rest when sick. The Ministry of Health and Welfare is also conducting a pilot project for sickness benefits (a system that compensates income when people take time off due to illness). Additionally, we urge workplaces to establish and implement systems such as paid sick leave and remote work when employees are actually ill.

Q. Does the lowering of the infectious disease crisis level and the shift to recommended isolation announced today mean a declaration of endemicity (periodic infectious disease outbreaks)?

Director Ji: Yes. However, this does not mean the COVID pandemic is over; rather, it means we have reached a point where we can transition to a routine, ongoing management system.

Q. What is the outlook for future COVID outbreaks?

Lee Sang-won, Head of Epidemiological Investigation and Analysis at the Central Disease Control Headquarters: The current increase in confirmed cases is largely due to variants. In particular, the XBB lineage variants are driving the current rise in cases. The XBB variant had a prevalence rate of 74.4% in the first week of May, making it dominant domestically. However, the increase is limited, and we expect the number of cases to be around 30,000 to 40,000 in early June.

Q. Is the capacity of intensive care unit (ICU) beds sufficient?

Im In-taek, Director of Health and Medical Policy at the Ministry of Health and Welfare: Currently, the Central Accident Response Headquarters operates a total of 668 beds, with a utilization rate of 51.6% (345 beds) as of the 10th. Although confirmed cases are increasing recently, we are taking measures to flexibly designate and utilize additional beds, so there is no immediate problem regarding bed capacity.

Q. What will happen to telemedicine if the COVID crisis alert level is lowered from 'Severe' to 'Alert' on June 1?

Director Im: Telemedicine is only permitted under the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act during the 'Severe' stage, so it will become illegal once the level is lowered to 'Alert.' In April, the National Assembly attempted to institutionalize telemedicine quickly through amendments to the Medical Service Act, but the bill was not passed due to lack of consensus between ruling and opposition parties. Therefore, the government plans to establish a pilot project. However, the scope of eligible patients and other details will be finalized and implemented after further consultation with experts, related agencies, and bipartisan discussions."