[Q&A] "Prime Minister's 'Golden Holiday Critical Point' Remark Means Higher Risk of Infection Transmission"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The government announced on the 18th that it will announce on the 19th whether to transition to daily quarantine measures in response to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

Kim Kang-lip, the 1st General Coordinator of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, said at a regular briefing held at the Government Complex Sejong on the same day, "The government is considering guidelines that can be applied in the new normal through the participation of the public, taking into account various impacts on the economy and society."

Coordinator Kim said, "We are listening broadly to opinions from various experts, local governments, and the public," and added, "We will do our best to make a reasonable decision on the direction by tomorrow."

However, the government urged people to continue practicing high-intensity social distancing until this weekend. Coordinator Kim said, "Please do not lower your guard until this weekend and continue to participate in social distancing to protect yourself, your family, and the community," adding, "There is a steady proportion of cases whose infection routes are unknown or under investigation."

Meanwhile, the number of new domestic COVID-19 confirmed cases dropped to the teens on the same day. It is the first time in 58 days since February 20. Coordinator Kim explained, "It is true that our society has successfully delayed the spread of COVID-19 through social distancing so far," but "this does not mean that COVID-19 has completely disappeared or that we can immediately return to pre-COVID-19 life."

◇Below is a Q&A with Coordinator Kim regarding daily quarantine measures

- Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun expressed concerns today about the spread of infection during the golden holiday period continuing until early May. Does this imply considering extending high-intensity social distancing until May 5?

▲ I understand that there is no specific date or extension being considered. The Prime Minister's remarks were based on the assumption that there are citizens planning various activities such as travel during the holiday. He was mindful that social distancing could be weakened if social activities are uncontrolled during the holiday, which could increase the risk of infection spread.

- I heard that as the end date of high-intensity social distancing approaches, the government is leaning toward extending the policy once again. Will the once-a-week telecommuting system at the Government Complex Sejong be applied to all ministries or decided by each ministry?

▲ I think that according to the comprehensive guidelines announced by the government, the relevant institutions and departments will consider and decide specifically. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety needs to confirm more detailed information, but since they are not present here, it is difficult to answer. I will check on this matter.

- Currently, there are 2,484 patients under isolation treatment. To what extent should this number decrease for our medical system to handle it?

▲ First, it is important to consider how many severe patients there are. The government classifies beds according to severity overall, but much more medical resources are required to treat the most severe patients. Second, regional imbalance is a concern. If severe imbalance occurs, it is necessary to consider whether each region can handle the situation as much as the total number of patients. Third, the time factor is important. We need to comprehensively consider how many patients occur within a short period to determine whether the system can cope. It would be reckless to judge solely based on the number of patients mechanically.

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