Fear of 3rd Wave Spreads with 300 Cases in 81 Days

Frequent Daily Infections in Gatherings and Workplaces
68 Imported Cases, Highest Since Late July
Some Call for Preemptive Measures by Raising to Level 2

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jeong] On the 18th, the number of new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) was recorded at 313. This is the first time in 81 days that new confirmed cases have reached the 300s since August 29, when the metropolitan area cluster infections began in earnest (323 cases).

From midnight on the 19th, Seoul and Gyeonggi Province will apply social distancing level 1.5 for two weeks, while simultaneous outbreaks of everyday cluster infections are occurring nationwide. The recent spread is raising concerns that a third wave could materialize following the first wave in Daegu and Gyeongbuk in February-March and the second wave in the metropolitan area in August-September.

As of midnight on the day, 245 new locally transmitted cases were reported, an increase of 43 from the previous day (202), marking the second consecutive day with over 200 cases. Typically, the number of tests decreases on weekends, leading to fewer confirmed cases, which then increase around Wednesday during the week. However, since last weekend, new confirmed cases have risen to the 200s, causing concern among health authorities.

Imported cases also reached 68, the highest since the end of July. This increase is due to the third wave intensifying in countries such as the United States and Europe, resulting in more confirmed cases among arrivals from those countries.

The recent infection pattern is notable because, unlike in the past when infections occurred mainly in specific facilities or groups such as nursing homes, simultaneous outbreaks are now happening in everyday settings like family and acquaintances’ gatherings and workplaces. During the August wave, specific groups such as churches and rallies in the metropolitan area were the main links spreading the infection, but now everyday cluster infections continue nationwide.

Between the 8th and 14th of this month, among 1,054 new confirmed cases, those aged 40 and under accounted for half (52.2%). There are concerns that the spread is accelerating due to 'silent transmission' mainly among young and middle-aged adults.

Accordingly, although social distancing level 1.5 will begin in the metropolitan area from tomorrow, some voices are calling for preemptive measures by raising the level to 2. Level 2 is applied when level 1.5 outbreaks persist in two or more regions or when nationwide confirmed cases exceed 300. At the current trend, the conditions for escalation could be met within one to two weeks.

Kang Do-tae, the 1st General Coordinator of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (Vice Minister of Health and Welfare), warned, "This is a crisis situation with pessimistic forecasts that a nationwide large-scale resurgence will become a reality," adding, "The preventive efforts of all members of our society are more urgent than ever."

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