Authorities: "Group Infections in Care Facilities, Overseas Resurgence, Fall Events... Risk Factors Remain" (Comprehensive)

Additional Measures for Managing Infection-Vulnerable Facilities and Strengthening Quarantine for Overseas Entrants
Jung Eun-kyung: "Make Basic Rules Like Masks and Personal Hygiene a Habit"

On the 26th, when the number of new confirmed cases of COVID-19 rose to triple digits again after three days with 119 new cases, citizens were waiting for testing at the screening clinic of the National Medical Center in Jung-gu, Seoul. The Central Disease Control Headquarters announced that as of midnight, there were 94 new domestic confirmed cases and 25 imported cases of COVID-19 on that day. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] As cluster outbreaks of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) continue to emerge mainly in nursing hospitals and facilities, the government has begun considering expanding the current comprehensive testing, which is being conducted mainly in the metropolitan area, to non-metropolitan regions as well. This is based on the judgment that proactive measures are necessary since these places have been found to be generally vulnerable to infection. With the increase in confirmed cases among overseas arrivals, the authorities have also decided to lower the fever threshold to strengthen the surveillance system for detecting patients. The quarantine authorities also pointed out that the increase in autumn events and gatherings is currently a significant risk factor.

Jung Eun-kyung, head of the Central Disease Control Headquarters, said at a briefing on the 26th, "An analysis of epidemiological investigations conducted on nursing hospitals and facilities revealed shortcomings in infection control, so we plan to strengthen various quarantine management measures for infection-vulnerable facilities."

Upon reviewing nursing hospitals and facilities where cluster outbreaks have occurred, it was found that some lacked designated quarantine managers or were negligent in monitoring symptomatic individuals, indicating weaknesses in quarantine management. It was also identified that some places did not conduct pre-screening tests for new admissions or failed to properly restrict access to the general public. The narrow spacing between residents within the facilities was also cited as a vulnerability that facilitates easy spread of infection.

Jung explained, "Looking at the infection rates among residents, some facilities had 14% confirmed cases, while others had 100% confirmed cases." She added, "When the coronavirus is introduced into nursing hospitals and facilities, the risk of transmission within the facility is extremely high." She further mentioned that they are considering expanding the comprehensive testing of workers and users, currently underway in metropolitan area facilities, to non-metropolitan regions. They plan to evaluate the results of the metropolitan area testing to formulate specific plans.

Quarantine officials are waiting to screen arrivals at the Incheon International Airport arrival hall on Yeongjongdo.

Worldwide New Daily Cases 440,000 and Deaths 5,700
"Europe and Other Overseas Regions More Severe Than Spring Outbreak"

Considering the resurgence spreading in various overseas regions such as Europe and the United States, quarantine for overseas arrivals will also be strengthened. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the cumulative global confirmed cases have reached 42.51 million (as of the 25th), with deaths totaling 1.15 million. The recent outbreak is more severe than the spring wave this year, with daily new cases reaching 440,000 and new deaths around 5,700.

The quarantine authorities have decided to lower the fever threshold from the current 37.5℃ to 37.3℃ for countries where COVID-19 cases are rapidly increasing. This includes countries currently designated for enhanced quarantine and trend monitoring, as well as some European countries, reflecting the recent outbreak situation to strengthen quarantine procedures. By slightly lowering the fever threshold, the number of people subject to testing upon entry will increase, which authorities expect will reduce cases confirmed after entering the community.

Additionally, the increase in autumn events, gatherings, and travel has been identified as a risk factor. Even if events are held outdoors, there is a high possibility of vulnerable situations to quarantine, such as attendees gathering closely or eating together. The upcoming Halloween at the end of this month is also a concerning factor, as large crowds are expected to gather at entertainment and multi-use facilities.

Jung said, "COVID-19 is contagious from two days before symptoms appear, and the infectivity is high in the early stages of onset." She added, "In places where many people gather, always wearing a mask can prevent personal infection and block transmission to others." She emphasized, "Although mainly transmitted through droplets, when many people gather in enclosed indoor spaces, transmission can also occur via aerosols or hand contact. It is important to avoid closed, crowded, and close-contact environments as much as possible, and if unavoidable, to wear masks, wash hands, ventilate, and frequently disinfect surfaces touched by hands."

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