Signs of Resurgence in Model Countries for Quarantine Korea and Germany...Growing Calls for Caution in Easing Measures

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Global health authorities are on high alert as clusters of COVID-19 infections have emerged immediately following the easing of quarantine measures in South Korea and Germany, both known as exemplary countries in pandemic control. Signs of resurgence are also appearing in China, where the COVID-19 crisis was thought to be nearly over, with confirmed cases rising again into double digits, prompting calls for caution regarding the relaxation of quarantine measures.

According to foreign media including the Associated Press on the 10th (local time), German authorities reported that the COVID-19 reproduction number has risen again, and hundreds of people have been infected in clusters centered around slaughterhouses and nursing homes, increasing concerns about a resurgence. The reproduction number, which indicates how many people one infected person can transmit the virus to, had decreased to 0.65 as of the 6th but has risen back to 1.1.

The signs of a resurgence in confirmed cases in South Korea, once hailed as a global model for COVID-19 control, have also been widely reported. Foreign media such as CNBC reported that South Korea’s daily COVID-19 cases, which had remained in single digits over the past 10 days, surged to over 50, centered around the Itaewon clubs. In both Germany and South Korea, the spread intensified immediately after easing quarantine measures, raising concerns about the relaxation of such measures.

In China, where the COVID-19 situation was believed to be nearly resolved, 14 confirmed cases were reported on the 10th. Of these, 12 were domestic cases excluding overseas visitors, with 11 from Shulan City in Jilin Province and 1 from Wuhan City in Hubei Province. China also lowered its risk level, but within days, confirmed cases reached double digits again, increasing fears of a resurgence.

Consequently, concerns about the easing of lockdown measures in Europe are also growing. Starting from the 11th, European countries plan to lift elementary school closures and resume operations of shops and restaurants as part of their lockdown easing measures.

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