100 Million COVID-19 Cases Worldwide... First COVID-19 Vaccine Introduction in Korea Moved Up Before Lunar New Year Holiday

Published 22 Jan.2021 19:44(KST)

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] The cumulative number of COVID-19 cases worldwide is approaching 100 million.

As of the 21st, according to the international statistics site Worldometer, the cumulative confirmed cases have surpassed 98 million, and deaths have exceeded 2.09 million. Approximately 1.2% of the global population has been infected, with 2.1% of those infected having lost their lives.

It took nine months for the cumulative confirmed cases to exceed 30 million, but it took only four months to surpass 90 million. The number of additional confirmed cases doubled to 60 million, while the spread rate accelerated to less than half the previous duration.

The United States, with the highest number of cases at 25 million and deaths at 410,000, has been actively controlling COVID-19 since President Joe Biden took office.

President Biden ordered the return to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Paris Climate Agreement immediately after his inauguration and plans to issue 53 executive orders within the next 10 days.

He also announced a plan to vaccinate 100 million people within 100 days.

Countries are also battling the variant virus originating from the UK. On the 20th, the UK recorded 1,820 deaths in one day, nearing 2,000, setting a new record for the highest daily death toll. In China, ahead of the Lunar New Year, the UK variant was detected in Beijing, prompting authorities to issue travel restrictions. The Dutch government proposed a nighttime curfew to parliament for the first time since World War II.

As of midnight today, South Korea reported 346 new COVID-19 cases, maintaining around 400 cases for four consecutive days. Over the past week (January 15?21), the average daily local transmission cases were 428.6, falling within the Level 2.5 range (nationwide 400?500 cases or rapid doubling). Seoul reported about 100 new cases daily for two consecutive weeks, with the infection reproduction number dropping to 0.79 (January 10?16). This represents nearly a 40% decrease compared to a month ago (December 13?20, January 28).

However, with the virus being more active in winter and the recent confirmation of highly transmissible variants, there remains a risk of a surge in cases. In fact, over the past two weeks (January 6?19), 43% of infections were traced to contact with confirmed cases, and 23.9% were of unknown transmission routes.

So far, 18 cases of variant virus infections from the UK, South Africa, and Brazil have been confirmed domestically. Residents are urged to remember that a social atmosphere of complacency, thinking "It won't happen to me," can lead to widespread outbreaks. Please strictly adhere to preventive measures such as wearing masks and social distancing.

Now, let's look at the COVID-19 status and key policies in Gangnam-gu.

As of today, there have been 1,115 confirmed cases. Cases 1106 and 1109 are family members of previously confirmed Gangnam-gu residents, while cases 1107, 1108, and 1113 tested positive after contact with previously confirmed Gangnam-gu residents. Case 1114 was infected through contact with a confirmed case from another region, and case 1115 was confirmed after testing upon entry. Cases 1110 to 1112 were confirmed with symptoms such as coughing, but their infection routes are unknown and epidemiological investigations are ongoing.

Additionally, male users of Olympia Sauna within the district from the 6th to the 19th are requested to visit the Gangnam-gu Public Health Center or temporary screening clinics by this weekend for mandatory testing.

As of the 22nd, Gangnam-gu is managing 898 self-quarantined individuals, including 654 overseas entrants and 244 domestic contacts.

The cumulative number of tests conducted at Gangnam-gu Public Health Center screening clinics and temporary screening clinics is 171,286. Of the 1,418 tests conducted the previous day, 46 were overseas entrants and 1,372 were domestic residents.

One year after the first COVID-19 case was reported in South Korea, half of the confirmed cases were linked to cluster infections, with religious facilities being the most common sites. According to data compiled by health authorities from January 20 last year to January 19 this year, the cumulative confirmed cases totaled 73,115, of which about 30,000 (45%) were infected through cluster infections.

Other cases involved contact with confirmed patients (28%, 20,157 cases) and cases with unknown infection routes (18%, 13,473 cases).

Additionally, 141 people per 100,000 population were confirmed positive. By gender, females accounted for 37,254 cases (51%), slightly more than males (49%, 35,861 cases). By age group, the main economically active population aged 20?50 accounted for 61%, with those aged 40?50 making up 33%, those 60 and older 29%, those aged 20?30 28%, and those under 20 10.1%. Regionally, the Seoul metropolitan area accounted for 61%, including 31.1% (22,717 cases) in Seoul.

Health authorities evaluated that, despite these circumstances, thanks to nationwide efforts such as social distancing, South Korea ranks 35th in cases and 36th in deaths per 100,000 population among 37 OECD member countries, reflecting relatively low numbers.

I believe that South Korea's elevation as a global model is due to the cooperation of Gangnam-gu residents who have endured great inconvenience and hardship. As the district mayor, I would like to express my gratitude once again to the 570,000 residents of Gangnam-gu.

The introduction of the first COVID-19 vaccine in South Korea is expected to be advanced to before the Lunar New Year holiday. Seoul announced yesterday that it will form a 'Vaccination Promotion Team,' and Gangnam-gu has proactively established a task force last week, preparing specific guidelines such as locations and manpower support for safe and systematic vaccination.

Please receive the safe vaccine and continue to stay strong until herd immunity is formed. I urge you to remember that your voluntary participation in prevention measures is the 'preventive vaccine' that stops the spread of the virus.

Ahead of the Lunar New Year next month, Gangnam-gu is preparing various support measures to share the pain of vulnerable groups, self-employed, and small business owners in the district, alleviate their difficulties, and revitalize the stagnant local economy.

In this regard, Gangnam-gu plans to provide 'Gangnam-style Emergency Disaster Relief Funds' before the Lunar New Year holiday to 1,300 households, including single-parent families, education benefit recipients, and low-income households struggling due to COVID-19, with up to 1 million KRW per household (500,000 KRW for 1?2 persons, 700,000 KRW for 3?4 persons, and 1 million KRW for households of 5 or more).

Furthermore, Gangnam-gu will hold a 'Lunar New Year Online Direct Market' until the 28th, where local specialties can be purchased at about half the market price. Please visit the Gangnam-gu Office website for more details, and we encourage residents to participate actively.