No COVID-19 Treatment Proven Yet... Warning Against 'Complacency'

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon]

The quarantine authorities reiterated that the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) is still ongoing and urged people not to be complacent.

On the 25th, Kwon Jun-wook, Deputy Director of the Central Disease Control Headquarters, said at a regular briefing, "Although the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has significantly decreased recently, I once again emphasize the need for active cooperation with social distancing over the weekend."

He added, "The biggest warning sign in responding to COVID-19 is 'complacency,'" emphasizing, "The reason the quarantine authorities cannot let their guard down is because there is still much unknown about COVID-19, and the development of treatments and vaccines is by no means an easy situation."

Deputy Director Kwon stated, "So far, there are no COVID-19 treatments with proven therapeutic effects," and mentioned, "Even experts have pointed out side effects regarding convalescent plasma or some candidate treatments, which is somewhat disappointing for the quarantine authorities." Furthermore, he said that the effectiveness of neutralizing antibodies cannot be assured.

He also diagnosed that accurate judgment about COVID-19 is necessary, noting that the proportion of asymptomatic infections in cluster infections is over 30%.

Deputy Director Kwon said, "We must be cautious about transmission before symptom onset," and added, "'Silent transmission' can occur easily and explosively."

He also evaluated, "Regarding the COVID-19 outbreaks that could return at any time, reducing the average daily confirmed cases from hundreds in the past to the current level was greatly helped by cooperation with social distancing, daily quarantine measures, thorough reporting, and early detection," and said, "This is thanks to frontline medical staff and the public."

Deputy Director Kwon urged, "If the next outbreak approaches, one thing is certain: it can be managed through daily quarantine with maintained social distancing. Therefore, if you visit places where many people gather and then develop symptoms, please suspect COVID-19, seek medical care, and report to the authorities."

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