By the End of the Month, Weekly Cases Could Reach 350,000
Masks Must Be Worn Indoors in Enclosed Spaces
Experts have advised that high-risk groups, such as the elderly, should get tested immediately if they experience symptoms like cough or fever amid the resurgence of COVID-19.
According to the government and medical community on the 20th, the number of COVID-19 hospitalized patients increased about ninefold from 148 in the second week of July to 1,359 in the second week of this month. Health authorities expect the speed of the COVID-19 spread to accelerate further by the end of this month.
Hong Jeong-ik, Head of the COVID-19 Response Team at the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, stated the day before, "Currently, the number of patients is about half of what it was in August last year, but analyzing the summer outbreak trends over the past two years, the weekly cases could reach up to 350,000 by the end of the month, matching last year's peak."
The problem lies with the 'hidden patients' who do not get tested despite having suspected COVID-19 symptoms. Choi Won-seok, Professor of Infectious Diseases at Korea University Ansan Hospital, said, "The approach to COVID-19 has changed, and many patients do not get tested even when symptomatic. Especially among the elderly high-risk groups, there are cases diagnosed with COVID-19 late."
Professor Choi emphasized that the prevention methods for COVID-19 remain unchanged. He said, "High-risk groups should get tested immediately if symptoms such as cough and fever appear. In particular, elderly people and immunocompromised individuals are still at risk, so it is advisable to wear masks in crowded and enclosed indoor spaces to prevent infection."
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