[Q&A] "School Opening Postponement Is Not a Distancing Failure... Transition to Daily Life Quarantine"

On the 31st, a notice prohibiting entry related to COVID-19 is posted at an elementary school in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] Regarding the additional postponement of the start of the semester for elementary, middle, and high schools originally scheduled for the 6th of next month, the quarantine authorities judged that the ongoing intensive 'social distancing' was not a failure or insufficient. The commencement of classes through online lessons was seen as a transitional measure toward daily life quarantine to eliminate COVID-19.

Kwon Jun-wook, Deputy Director of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters for COVID-19, said, "Excluding infections from overseas inflow or contact with confirmed cases, the proportion of patients whose transmission route is unknown in the community over the past two weeks is about 9% (of total patients)," adding, "It is true that strong social distancing has achieved some effect thanks to the cooperation of the public and various facilities and institutions."

He continued, "Universities have already shown adaptation and changes suitable for the COVID-19 situation, such as online lectures after the semester started," and said, "Starting online classes from the 9th of next month is not a sign of failure or insufficiency of strong social distancing but rather a form of school opening aligned with the easing and transition phases as various policies will continue through daily life quarantine."

Kwon Jun-wook, Deputy Director of the Central Disease Control Headquarters (Director of the National Institute of Health)

The following is a Q&A with Deputy Director Kwon during the briefing.

- Experts point out that clinical data on domestic COVID-19 patients is not being properly secured. What is the current status?

▲ With the establishment of the Central Infectious Disease Clinical Committee at the National Medical Center, designated as the central infectious disease hospital, clinical data is being secured and analyzed centered on this committee. To secure clinical data, medical institutions caring for patients must first input the required information based on clinical records, and the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters compiles and analyzes it. However, currently, it is true that this process has been delayed as the medical institutions prioritize treatment and quarantine. If necessary, we will explore ways to support these medical institutions.

- After a Samsung Semiconductor factory worker was confirmed positive, the factory continued operating. Was there any consultation between the quarantine authorities and Samsung regarding factory operations?

▲ We have not received any separate reports and will further investigate the on-site situation. For example, the company claimed that there was no possibility of infection inside the factory because of the use of protective suits and the air circulation system inside the factory. We will verify this with the local government and the location of the Samsung Semiconductor factory.

- Why is the fatality rate significantly higher in patients in their 80s compared to those in their 70s? How is follow-up management conducted after patient deaths?

▲ As age increases, the prevalence of underlying diseases also rises, and overall immune levels decline. Pneumonia was the third leading cause of death in 2018. Experts cite physical condition, prevalence of underlying diseases, and rapid decline in immunity as reasons. Regarding the deceased, we analyze secured medical records and investigation data with the Central Clinical Committee and, if necessary, analyze past medical records from the National Health Insurance Service or the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service.

- Please share the current investigation results on the infection routes at Daegu Daesil Nursing Hospital and the Second Miju Hospital.

▲ At Daesil Nursing Hospital, the first patient was a healthcare worker responsible for the 4th floor, with symptoms appearing on the 2nd. After the outbreak at Daesil Hospital, transmission likely occurred to the Second Miju Hospital through close contact, and epidemiological investigations are underway using CCTV and other means. Unfortunately, the final confirmation was delayed until the 18th after symptoms appeared on the 2nd. It is very important for those working in psychiatric hospitals, nursing hospitals, and social welfare facilities to refrain from work if they feel even slightly unwell or show symptoms to prevent greater harm.

- Are you considering new diagnostic methods that reduce the time required to confirm infection?

▲ Besides the highly accurate RT-PCR method, domestic research and development are underway to find faster diagnostic methods. If such methods are identified overseas, we will actively pursue their introduction.

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