[COVID-19 Transformation] "Vaccines Difficult for Now... Maintaining Daily Quarantine Habits Is Important"

Post-Corona, an Era of Great Transformation
<2>The War Against the Virus

Interview - Jeon Byung-yul, Dean of Graduate School of Health Industry, CHA University
COVID-19 Can Cause Cluster Outbreaks Anytime... Effectiveness of High-Intensity Social Distancing
Priority Management for Elderly and Vulnerable Groups... Infectious Disease Stockpiles Must Be Maintained at All Times

BC, AD. These terms refer to Before Corona and After Disease. The era division based on the birth of Jesus, which lasted over a thousand years in human history, is likely to change again as the entire world experiences the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), a point that is hard to dismiss as mere exaggeration. Even in modern society, many viruses have been fought, but none have caused such a profound impact on society as this virus.

When the Chinese government locked down Wuhan, the initial outbreak site, there were criticisms that the measures were excessive. However, as the virus rapidly spread worldwide, health authorities in various countries issued restrictions that could effectively halt society. The outlook is bleak because it is difficult to expect weapons to fight the virus directly, such as treatments or vaccines, in the near future. We spoke with Jeon Byung-yul, Dean of the Graduate School of Health Industry at CHA University, who was at the forefront of quarantine efforts as the head of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention during the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic, to get his assessment of COVID-19 and the challenges ahead.

- What distinguishes COVID-19 from other infectious diseases that have previously spread?

▲ It is on a different level. It is a disease that is uncontrollable, almost like an alien. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2002 disappeared within a short period. At that time, our limited human exchanges with China and Hong Kong played a role. Avian influenza outbreaks in China and Laos afterward were also unlikely to spread widely in Korea because poultry was handled hygienically. The 2009 H1N1 influenza spread from North America to the world, but fortunately, treatments and vaccines were available, so it was not fatal. Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in 2015 had a relatively high number of cases in Korea compared to other countries outside the Middle East, but it spread within the confined space of hospitals. Even when viruses spread, normal social life was not significantly disrupted. COVID-19, however, can cause cluster outbreaks anytime and anywhere, even if new cases are reduced to single digits.

The insurance planner exam is being held on the 26th at the Myeongji College sports field in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

- Why is COVID-19 difficult to control?

▲ About 80% of all patients are reported to have mild symptoms, which means the virus spreads easily. Even with the common flu, infected individuals recognize their symptoms quickly and seek medical care or avoid contact with others, but this is not the case here. It has firmly established itself as a disease that perplexes health authorities, medical staff, and the general public alike. Just as avoiding allergens requires avoiding their causes, currently, there is no other way but to avoid contact with the virus. The pain caused by severing human relationships is considerable, but it must be endured.

- It has been about 100 days since the first domestic case was reported. How do you evaluate the current domestic situation and quarantine measures?

▲ Health authorities have actively conducted nationwide control and investigations, including patient management and contact tracing. We also learned that the high-intensity social distancing implemented for four weeks was effective. The realization that there is no alternative but to follow personal hygiene rules and reduce contact, whether through relaxed distancing or daily quarantine measures, is an achievement. Since it is difficult to expect treatments or vaccines in the near future, maintaining quarantine habits in daily life is crucial.

- Many predict a resurgence of COVID-19 this fall. What should we prepare for?

▲ We need to prepare in advance how to allocate medical resources when the virus resurges. Having experienced a large-scale outbreak in Daegu and Gyeongbuk, health authorities have learned how to fight. While it is difficult to defeat the virus immediately, at least we have learned how not to lose. Ultimately, reducing deaths from infection is essential, and for this, managing vulnerable groups such as the elderly and patients in care facilities is even more important. The top priority should be preventing respiratory diseases among these vulnerable groups.

On the morning of the 10th, employees at the Daegu Hospital of the Korea Workers' Compensation and Welfare Service in Buk-gu, Daegu, are moving to ventilate the fourth-floor patient rooms, which have been empty for three days.

- Discussions about restructuring medical institutions are underway. In what direction should this proceed?

▲ The important point is that hospitals must not collapse. If medical staff become infected, not only vulnerable patient groups but also existing patients in the hospital become at risk. As COVID-19 spreads, medical demand has decreased, worsening the financial difficulties of hospitals at all levels, which the government must address. Whether COVID-19 patients cause shutdowns or not, other patients avoid hospitals due to fear of possible infection. There are plans to separate respiratory and non-respiratory patients or strengthen screening systems, but it is questionable whether these can be applied effectively on the front lines. We need to find ways for hospitals not to fail and for patients to visit hospitals with confidence, which will be a challenging task for both health authorities and medical institutions. Still, the key remains with health authorities, who have many tools such as health insurance and finances.

- New infectious diseases will emerge again. What should we prepare?

▲ The fact that new infectious diseases will occur is not new. We have experienced several in the past 20 years. While strengthening the budget and organization of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the control tower for quarantine, we must also maintain stockpiles of supplies prepared for war at all times. The global attention on diagnostic kits is something to consider in future preparedness. This involves linking quarantine measures with industrialization strategies in various sectors. Infectious disease response is not easy with government efforts alone; incentives are needed to encourage private companies and research institutions to develop countermeasures.

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