[Q&A] "Long-term COVID-19 Measures Focused on Blocking Overseas Reintroduction"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] As the number of additional confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) dropped to the 100s on the 10th for the first time in two weeks, the government analyzed that "the testing volume on the 8th, which is reflected in the statistics, was lower than usual."

Yoon Tae-ho, Head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters' Quarantine General Division (Public Health Policy Officer at the Ministry of Health and Welfare), said at a regular briefing held at the Government Complex Sejong on the 10th, "The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has been continuously decreasing until today, so we can evaluate that the spread trend is stagnating," but added, "However, it should be considered that many patients are still being detected, meaning the rapidly increasing spread trend has just started to decline."

According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters, as of 0:00 a.m. on the day, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country was 7,513, an increase of 131 from the previous day. The daily new confirmed cases fell to the 100s for the first time in two weeks since the 25th of last month.

The number of confirmed cases on this day reflects the test results requested on the 8th. Head Yoon of the Quarantine General Division showed a cautious attitude, saying, "Considering that the testing volume on the 8th was about 6,000, which is less than usual, it is necessary to observe the situation for a few more days."

Head Yoon also stated that sporadic regional infection risks remain nationwide, so it is not a situation to be relieved. He said, "In Daegu and Gyeongbuk, about 100 patients are still occurring, and new community infections caused by patients not yet discovered may spread," adding, "Nationwide, sporadic cluster infections through multi-use facilities are appearing, so special caution is needed to prevent large-scale cluster infection situations like Shincheonji or (Cheongdo) Daenam Hospital."

◇Below is a Q&A with Head Yoon of the Quarantine General Division regarding the COVID-19 spread trend

- You urged special caution for densely populated workplaces like the Guro-gu call center.

▲ Regarding multi-use facilities, guidelines were already sent out two weeks ago, and quarantine strengthening measures have been taken by local governments and related ministries. The key is to prevent employees or users with symptoms from coming to work or using the facilities. Then, they are observed under self-quarantine and guided to get tested if necessary. Not only workers or users but also business owners and operators are encouraged to comply as the spread of infection itself can be a very big problem.

- Do you see the Guro-gu call center cluster infection as a trigger for widespread spread in Seoul and the metropolitan area?

▲ The epidemiological investigation of the Guro-gu call center is ongoing. It is not appropriate to judge currently that it has "been breached on a large scale" or "is spreading widely." It is a matter to be judged based on the epidemiological investigation results.

- Do you have long-term measures against COVID-19?

▲ We are preparing, but it is limited to explain in detail here. The first stage focused on blocking entry from China, the origin, as much as possible and responding to domestic import cases. The second stage responded to transmission in the community, especially clusters centered in Daegu and Gyeongbuk. Probably, in the future, re-importation from overseas will be an important part of quarantine. Of course, at this point, minimizing community transmission and stabilizing early is the urgent task.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.