[Q&A] "COVID-19, a Cunning and Very Nasty Virus"

Kwon Jun-wook, Deputy Director of the Central Disease Control Headquarters [Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heung-soon] "A cunning virus, a very nasty virus."

On the 16th, Kwon Jun-wook, Deputy Director of the Central Disease Control Headquarters, referred to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) virus in this way during a regular briefing on the domestic occurrence status of COVID-19.

This is because as of midnight on that day, there were 141 cases of patients testing positive again after recovery, and the virus shows unpredictable characteristics such as transmission before symptoms appear or in asymptomatic cases. He also explained that the younger the age group, the lower the manifestation rate and fatality rate, making it a "virus that easily invites complacency."

Regarding the extension of the strengthened social distancing measures scheduled until the 19th, he was reserved, saying, "Discussions are ongoing at the Living Quarantine Committee." He added, "From the perspective of the quarantine authorities, it is very difficult and time-consuming to build a dam to block the waterway, but the dam can collapse in an instant," emphasizing, "Adjustments or modifications to various quarantine measures must be carried out very cautiously."

The following are key Q&A from Deputy Director Kwon Jun-wook’s briefing that day

- Experts say that because of the high proportion of asymptomatic patients, a full investigation targeting high-risk groups in the metropolitan area is necessary to reduce the fatality rate. What is your view?

▲ Domestic experts describe the COVID-19 virus as a so-called latent virus, even using the term "stealth virus," indicating a significant number of asymptomatic cases. Also, the virus can spread before symptoms appear. Silent transmission in the community can occur sufficiently, and if high-risk groups become the final destination of this silent transmission, significant damage could occur. We have already identified high-risk groups mainly in densely populated areas. We recognize the need for investigation and are preparing plans accordingly.

- Were there cases of testing positive again after recovery during SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome)?

Although SARS and MERS belong to the same coronavirus family, to the best of current knowledge, there have been no cases of testing positive again after complete release from self-quarantine. This highlights how cunning the COVID-19 virus we are currently fighting is. Recently, in Korea, cases of re-positivity have exceeded 100, and investigations are ongoing. We are considering possibilities such as reactivation due to weakened immunity in the host patient, errors in testing, or detection of non-infectious viral fragments due to the high sensitivity of the tests.

- How was the opinion on extending social distancing gathered? Considering the decreasing trend in confirmed cases, is it time to transition to living quarantine?

▲ The procedure experienced during yesterday’s vote is exactly living quarantine. In similar social situations in the future, body temperature checks before entry, mask usage, possibly vinyl gloves if necessary, and sufficient distancing will be required. Social distancing is not separate from living quarantine but is a subset and essential element of it. Therefore, rather than saying social distancing will transition to living quarantine, it should be understood as a norm to be continuously observed in daily life after COVID-19. Once the Living Quarantine Committee finalizes measures, we will provide a separate opportunity to explain. However, adjustments to quarantine measures must be made very cautiously. From the quarantine authorities’ perspective, as a metaphor, "building a dam to block the waterway is very difficult and time-consuming, but the dam can collapse in an instant," and we are committed to quarantine measures with this mindset.

The whole world is currently fighting a desperate battle against the COVID-19 virus. Domestic experts have described it as a "stealth virus." It can spread asymptomatically and before symptoms appear, with some cases of re-positivity and diverse symptoms. Since younger people have lower manifestation and fatality rates, it invites complacency. The quarantine authorities want to describe this COVID-19 virus as a "very nasty virus that invites complacency." Conversely, we urge everyone not to be complacent and to overcome COVID-19 through strong social distancing and living quarantine, as experienced during yesterday’s vote and before, while maintaining daily life.

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