COVID-19 Hospitalized Patients Surge Sixfold
Nationwide Signs of Reemergence Intensify
The number of COVID-19 hospitalized patients has surged nearly sixfold over the past four weeks, signaling the onset of a nationwide resurgence. As citizens feel confused about how to respond to the returning COVID wave, reports of self-diagnostic kits being sold out are coming from various places.
According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), the number of COVID-19 hospitalized patients was recorded at 861 in the first week of August, approaching the level seen in February. The patient count steadily increased from 148 in the second week of July to 226 in the third week and 475 in the fourth week.
As signs of a resurgence of COVID-19 appeared this summer, demand for self-test kits at convenience stores also increased significantly. The photo shows self-test kits displayed at a convenience store in Seoul on the 7th. [Photo by Yonhap News]
Accordingly, demand for self-diagnostic kits at convenience stores has also surged significantly. GS25 reported that sales of COVID-19 self-test kits from January to July this year increased by 1299.5% compared to the same period last month. CU's sales of self-diagnostic kits also rose sharply by 132% compared to the previous month.
Most respiratory viruses tend to spread in winter, but COVID-19 occurs regardless of season, leading to outbreaks even in summer. Considering the trend over the past two years, the KDCA expects the number of COVID-19 patients to continue rising until the end of this month.
The COVID-19 crisis level was downgraded from 'Alert' in April this year to the lowest level, 'Interest.' Accordingly, isolation of confirmed cases has changed from mandatory to recommended.
According to the '2024 COVID-19 Management Guidelines' announced by the KDCA, current COVID-19 confirmed patients are recommended to isolate until 24 hours have passed after major symptoms such as cough, fever, and headache have improved.
After monitoring for about a day following symptom improvement and if no abnormalities are observed, patients can immediately return to daily life. Treatment is also based on self-care principles, with hospitalization available if necessary.
In October, COVID-19 vaccinations using new vaccines targeting currently circulating variants worldwide are scheduled to be administered. The KDCA strongly recommends receiving influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations simultaneously.
Free vaccinations are available for high-risk groups, including seniors aged 65 and older, immunocompromised individuals, and residents or inpatients of infection-vulnerable facilities such as nursing hospitals. However, general citizens aged 12 and older who are not in high-risk groups must bear the cost themselves.
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