[Q&A] "Classifying Contacts in Metropolitan Public Transportation? Practically Difficult"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Amid a sharp increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Seoul metropolitan area due to a cluster infection at a call center in Guro-gu, Seoul, the government stated on the 11th that "the number of cases in the metropolitan area does not yet seem to have reached the level of the situation in Daegu and Gyeongbuk."

Yoon Tae-ho, head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters' quarantine team, made this remark during a regular briefing held at the Government Complex Sejong on the same day, adding, "So far, I believe there is no major problem in securing hospital beds in Seoul or the metropolitan area."

According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters, as of 12:00 a.m. on the day, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Seoul reached 193, an increase of 52 from 4:00 p.m. the previous day.

Yoon, the head of the quarantine team, said, "The infection case at the Guro-gu call center requires joint response from local governments in the metropolitan area," and added, "We will fully cooperate with related cities and provinces to make every effort in quarantine management."

◇The following is a Q&A with Yoon, head of the quarantine team, regarding the spread in the metropolitan area

- Are there sufficient negative pressure beds for severe patients and residential treatment centers in the metropolitan area?

▲ The metropolitan area has relatively abundant medical resources compared to other regions such as Daegu and Gyeongbuk. Local governments including Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Incheon are currently preparing and requesting designation of residential treatment centers.

- Concerns about infection on public transportation are increasing. Are contact investigations currently being conducted on public transportation?

▲ It is practically difficult to identify contacts on public transportation such as subways. I believe infection control on public transportation needs to be further strengthened. I understand that Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Incheon are independently preparing related measures.

- It is said that patients from provinces are flocking to Seoul to find hospital beds.

▲ I believe the number of people coming from provinces to Seoul for treatment has significantly decreased. Also, the number of hospitalized patients has decreased considerably compared to usual, so I think there is no major problem in securing hospital beds in Seoul or the metropolitan area at this time.

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