Concerning COVID-19 Surge: Jeonnam Sees Eight Consecutive Weeks of Rising Cases

Sharp Rise in COVID-19 Inpatients in Jeonnam Province:
From 2 in Week 27 to 18 in Week 34
Strengthening Prevention for the Elderly and Vulnerable Facilities
All-Out Efforts to Curb Community Spread
Vaccination Campaign Begins in October

COVID-19 High-Risk Group Infection Prevention Guide Poster. Provided by Jeonnam Province

The spread of COVID-19 is showing concerning trends. In Jeonnam Province, the risk has become more pronounced, with the number of COVID-19 inpatients increasing for eight consecutive weeks. In particular, the incidence rate is especially high among people aged 65 and older. Jeonnam Province is struggling to come up with countermeasures, including strengthening preventive management for the elderly and facilities vulnerable to infection.

According to the "COVID-19 Inpatient Sample Surveillance Results" analyzed by Jeonnam Province on August 30, the number of inpatients nationwide increased from 101 in week 27 to 367 in week 34 (August 17-23). During the same period, Jeonnam Province saw a surge from 2 to 18 inpatients, representing approximately a ninefold increase.

While these numbers may not seem remarkable compared to last year, health authorities emphasize that the sharp increase in COVID-19 patients over the past two months is significant. This could be an indicator suggesting the potential for a resurgence.

Of particular concern is the relatively high infection rate among the elderly. In fact, during this period, the proportion of cases among those aged 65 and older was 61.2% nationwide and 75.5% in Jeonnam Province. The need for infection control targeting the elderly and facilities vulnerable to infection is being highlighted.

Jeonnam Province is accelerating efforts to prepare measures to curb the spread of COVID-19.

First, the province has swiftly distributed preventive management guidelines for a potential COVID-19 resurgence to cities, counties, and related agencies, targeting the elderly and facilities vulnerable to infection, and has further strengthened its response system by emphasizing compliance with prevention rules.

Since June, Jeonnam Province has been operating a "COVID-19 Dedicated Response Task Force" to respond immediately to cluster infections in facilities vulnerable to infection. This month, the number of monitored medical institutions was expanded from 45 to 112, with the province making every effort to protect residents' health.

Currently, through city and county public health centers, Jeonnam Province has distributed 120,000 infection prevention supplies-including masks, hand sanitizers, and diagnostic kits-to 733 facilities vulnerable to infection. The province plans to closely monitor the COVID-19 situation and distribute additional supplies as needed.

Starting October 15, Jeonnam Province will officially begin COVID-19 vaccinations for the 2025-2026 season, prioritizing the elderly and high-risk groups. People aged 65 and older are being advised to receive both the COVID-19 vaccine and the flu vaccine simultaneously.

Jeong Gwangseon, Director of Health and Welfare at Jeonnam Province, stated, "As the upward trend in COVID-19 cases continues, thorough preventive management for the elderly and facilities vulnerable to infection, as well as efforts to prevent community spread, are more important than ever. I urge everyone to protect their own health and that of their families through vaccination."