If Cold Symptoms Appear After the Holiday... "Please Visit a Screening Clinic for Testing"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chun-hee] As the Chuseok holiday passes its midpoint, the daily number of new COVID-19 cases in South Korea remains in double digits. However, with two confirmed COVID-19 cases among travelers returning home and various infection cases occurring in the metropolitan area and Busan, health authorities remain on high alert.

Health authorities have urged people to undergo active testing if any suspicious symptoms appear, as the five-day holiday has increased movement and contact between people more than usual.

Below are the preventive action guidelines summarized based on the regular briefing by the Central Disease Control Headquarters (CDCH) on the 3rd.

- The number of new cases during the Chuseok holiday has consistently been in double digits. Does this mean the situation has improved?

▲ As recent statistics show, the domestic COVID-19 incidence continues to decline. However, so-called "silent transmission," where the source of infection in the community is unknown, still persists. There is always a risk of explosive cluster outbreaks, especially in medical institutions and welfare facilities. Notably, the mortality rate remains high, particularly among the elderly.

- What should I do if I develop cold symptoms after the holiday?

▲ If you traveled to other regions during the Chuseok holiday or were exposed even slightly to the so-called "3Cs" (closed spaces, crowded places, close-contact settings), caution is necessary. Those who frequently interact with many people due to their occupation, work in medical institutions or social welfare facilities, or have frequent contact with high-risk groups should actively visit screening clinics and get tested for COVID-19 if they experience any abnormal symptoms or cold-like symptoms.

- Are there any specific symptoms that suggest COVID-19?

▲ COVID-19 does not have specific symptoms that clearly distinguish it from other respiratory infections like the common cold. Some mention loss of taste or smell as special symptoms in comparison to the flu, but not all COVID-19 patients experience loss of taste or smell.

- I came to my hometown and plan to return home soon. Are there any precautions I should follow?

▲ It is advisable to use a private vehicle whenever possible and to minimize the time spent in crowded places such as rest stops. Preparing necessary snacks and water in advance to avoid stopping at rest areas is also a good method. After returning home, it is important to stay at home and monitor for fever or respiratory symptoms.

- The Chuseok holiday continues until Sunday. Are screening clinics closed during this period?

▲ Screening clinics for COVID-19 testing remain open throughout the holiday. If you experience symptoms such as cough, sore throat, or fever, it is best to get tested immediately. However, since operating hours may vary by institution, it is helpful to check the status in advance through the Emergency Medical Portal, the Ministry of Health and Welfare website, the Ministry of Health and Welfare call center (☎129), or the Emergency Situation Management Center (☎119) before visiting.

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