[Q&A] Authorities "COVID-19 Guideline Revision"... No Easing of Isolation Release Criteria Expected

Jung Eun-kyung, Deputy Head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters for COVID-19 <이미지:Yonhap News>

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] The quarantine authorities announced that they will revise the guidelines related to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and release them soon. Currently, even if symptoms improve after confirmation or if there were no symptoms initially, isolation can only be lifted after two consecutive negative results from polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. However, they stated that relaxing this criterion is not being seriously considered at this time.

Jung Eun-kyung, head of the Central Disease Control Headquarters for COVID-19, said at a briefing on the 6th, "There have been criticisms about the very long isolation period because the release criteria require two PCR tests," adding, "However, investigations into the infectivity of re-positive cases are still ongoing, and once there is a judgment on how to view infectivity in cases with negative PCR results, we plan to organize and announce the guidelines accordingly."

She continued, "We are reviewing expert opinions and overseas isolation release criteria, but the situation is similar to ours," and added, "We are preparing to revise the case definitions and testing target guidelines early this month, but opinions on the isolation release criteria have not yet been finalized."

According to the response guidelines distributed by the Quarantine Headquarters to local governments, isolation can be lifted if clinical symptoms improve and two PCR tests conducted one day apart both return negative results. Asymptomatic individuals can also be released from isolation if they receive two PCR tests after one week from confirmation, both of which are negative. Because these criteria are strict, some medical staff treating patients have suggested that they should be somewhat relaxed. This is because many patients remain hospitalized unnecessarily for extended periods due to the strict release criteria. They also cite the fact that re-positive cases have little to no infectivity as a basis.

The following is a Q&A with Director Jung at the briefing that day.

- Are you considering introducing the antiviral drug Remdesivir?

▲ Clinical phase 2 and phase 3 trials are currently underway in Korea with actual confirmed patients. These trials are being conducted jointly by multiple multinational institutions, so it will take time to compile results and make judgments. Since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted emergency use authorization, our government is also reviewing whether emergency special approval can be introduced, as well as how to secure and supply the drug.

- With the weather getting warmer, air conditioner use will increase. How does the quarantine authority view this?

▲ According to a study in China, there is a concern that recirculation might cause droplets to spread further, potentially transmitting droplets to people nearby. However, this was not based on extensive research or experiments but was a possibility raised. The case involved a restaurant without windows and no ventilation. We believe that even when using air conditioners, if ventilation is provided regularly through windows, it is possible to use them safely.

- When will the emergency PCR diagnostic test be introduced?

▲ Emergency PCR testing has not yet received emergency use authorization. We are reviewing with the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety the introduction of a test method that can quickly provide results within about an hour for emergency surgeries or emergency patients under emergency use authorization. The criteria and conditions for emergency use authorization have been almost finalized. After consultation with expert societies, announcements will be made to participating institutions, and then the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety will proceed with the rapid use and approval process.

- You mentioned reviewing measures to reduce risks through comprehensive surveys of nursing facilities. If guidelines change, will limited visits be allowed?

▲ Nursing hospitals and nursing homes house high-risk elderly and patients with underlying diseases in close quarters, so the risk is very high if exposed even once. Until the risk of community infection is significantly reduced, existing measures need to be maintained. It is not yet time to consider easing restrictions, and focused management is necessary. Comprehensive testing using pooled testing methods can be applied only in some areas, and if community infection cases are reported in specific cities, counties, or districts, testing in nursing hospitals and facilities in those areas is being strengthened.

- Is it true that re-positive cases test positive on PCR due to genetic fragments from dead viruses?

▲ As of today, there have been 356 reported re-positive cases. We are conducting viral culture tests, neutralizing antibody tests, and investigations into whether contacts have developed symptoms. Viral culture tests take more than two weeks; among the 29 cases confirmed so far, all were ultimately negative, and 79 cases are still undergoing culture. Among contacts during the re-positive period, investigations on 100 people have been completed and 530 are ongoing, but there have been no positive viral cultures or additional transmission cases among contacts. While it is highly likely that the positive PCR results come from fragments detached from dead cells, we are working to gather precise evidence.

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