[Q&A] "Preparing for the 'Second Wave' Following Daegu and Gyeongbuk"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] As the number of new domestic cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) remains around 50 for the third consecutive day, the government stated on the 8th, "We consider this a positive sign, but the risk of spread still exists."

Kim Kang-lip, the 1st General Coordinator of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (Vice Minister of Health and Welfare), said at a regular briefing held at the Government Complex Sejong on the same day, "If this trend continues, it is assessed that stable treatment for severe patients will be possible." The daily new domestic COVID-19 cases were recorded as 47 on the 6th and the previous day, and counted 53 on this day.

Coordinator Kim said, "Since the occurrence of patient number 31 on February 18, confirmed cases surged mainly among Shincheonji Daegu Church members, and the infection routes that had gone beyond the quarantine network's control are gradually returning within the scope of control," adding, "The number of patients who have recovered and been released from isolation continues to increase, approaching 6,800."

However, the government emphasized that it is not a situation to be relieved as the domestic death toll has reached 200. Coordinator Kim said, "The risk of COVID-19 spread still exists," and "The occurrence of the 200th death yesterday and the continuous increase in the fatality rate is a very painful and noteworthy point for health authorities."

He added, "Apart from the high recovery rate, COVID-19 is very dangerous for high-risk groups such as the elderly and those with underlying diseases," emphasizing, "Especially since the mortality rate for those aged 80 and above exceeds 20%, minimizing their damage and deaths is an important task in the fight against COVID-19."

◇The following is a Q&A with Coordinator Kim regarding the COVID-19 outbreak situation

- Although new cases have significantly decreased, the possibility of explosive group infections remains. What preparations are being made in case large-scale group infections like those in Daegu and Gyeongbuk occur in the metropolitan area?

▲We are preparing based on various assumptions that a so-called 'second wave' could occur. We are preparing not only beds but also personnel, equipment, and regional medical systems to respond to any additional occurrences that may happen. To prevent the unfortunate future of large-scale group infections, please adhere to personal hygiene rules and social distancing, the strongest quarantine measures, in daily life.

- Concerns about group infections are rising again in various places in Seoul, such as entertainment establishments in Gangnam.

▲Operational restrictions on entertainment facilities are already in place. Local government officials, police, and consumer food hygiene inspectors are conducting joint inspections focused on the peak usage hours of entertainment establishments to ensure that practical quarantine measures are properly implemented. We will also analyze trends in infection and confirmed cases in high-risk facilities like entertainment venues and continue to monitor whether to maintain current measures or if additional measures are necessary.

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