"Prelude to the COVID-19 Pandemic... Global Cases Expected to Exceed 50 Million Next Week"

Kwon Jun-wook "Visible Results of COVID-19 Treatment Within the Year... Research and Development Until the End"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jeong] "The curtain has risen on the full-scale pandemic of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19)."

On the 3rd, Kwon Jun-wook, Deputy Head of the Central Disease Control Headquarters, stated at a regular briefing, "Currently, the COVID-19 outbreak is rapidly increasing not only in the Americas and Europe but also in some parts of the Middle East in the Northern Hemisphere," adding, "It is expected that the global number of patients will exceed 50 million by early next week."

On the other hand, the domestic situation is assessed to be maintaining overall control over the scale of infections.

Deputy Head Kwon said, "Although sporadic infections have occurred during the highly concerning large-scale movements during the holidays, autumn hiking, and small gatherings after social distancing adjustments, the outbreak is still considered to be relatively suppressed."

However, since there is always a possibility of a COVID-19 explosion, he urged the public and facility operators to strictly adhere to social distancing.

Regarding COVID-19 treatments, visible results are expected within the year. Deputy Head Kwon said, "We expect to achieve visible results for treatments within this year, and for vaccines, we are pushing for a full-scale start toward results within the year," emphasizing, "In this process, the participation, effort, and support of researchers and patients are necessary."

He added, "Those who have recovered from COVID-19 are actively donating plasma," expressing deep gratitude to the patients who voluntarily agreed, and stated, "Related institutions, as well as the government and quarantine authorities, will continue to strive to achieve results in treatments and vaccines."

Deputy Head Kwon said, "Research and development of COVID-19 treatments and vaccines will continue until the end," and added, "When another novel infectious disease outbreak occurs after COVID-19, our country will continue efforts to stand alongside other countries, mainly advanced nations, in the fields of treatments and vaccines."

He continued, "With hope and thinking about the end of COVID-19, as we enter the full winter season, I ask for your continued participation with just a little more patience in social distancing, wearing masks, hand hygiene, ventilation, and disinfection as we have done so far."

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