Government: "Infection Reproduction Number Nears 1... Risk of Resurgence Exists" (Comprehensive)

Infection Reproduction Number Exceeds 1 for Two Consecutive Weeks
Average Daily Domestic New Cases for One Week, 353... 282 in the Capital Area

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] The "infection reproduction number," which indicates how many people one confirmed case infects, has approached 1 nationwide. When the infection reproduction number exceeds 1, it means that one confirmed case transmits the infection to one or more people, increasing the likelihood of an outbreak spreading.

Son Young-rae, head of the Social Strategy Division at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH), stated at the regular briefing of the CDSCH on the 14th, "The infection reproduction number is close to 1; the metropolitan area is above 1, while non-metropolitan areas maintain a stable figure below 1."

Previously, the CDSCH explained that during the past week (7th to 13th), the infection reproduction number in the metropolitan area was 1.06, and the week before that was 1.04, exceeding 1 for two consecutive weeks.

The average daily number of new domestic confirmed cases last week was 353, with 282 concentrated in the metropolitan area. In particular, the metropolitan area's weekly average number of confirmed cases increased from 258 the previous week.

During the Seol holiday, concerns arise about an increase in new confirmed cases due to increased mobility and cluster infections. New cluster infections have already occurred at Soonchunhyang University Hospital in Seoul and a health club in Guro-gu.

Son predicted that the effects of Seol holiday quarantine measures would appear within the next two weeks. He said, "Due to increased mobility during the Seol holiday and the expanded operation of various multi-use facilities, risks exist, and their impact may begin to appear from this week. Special caution is needed to prevent signs of further outbreak spread."

The government plans to review quarantine response directions while monitoring future confirmed case trends. Son said, "Over the next two weeks, we will observe the COVID-19 outbreak situation and assess whether the outbreak is stabilizing or showing signs of resurgence, and review adjustments to quarantine measures accordingly."

He mentioned the Seol holiday, permission for multi-use facility operations, and COVID-19 vaccination, emphasizing, "The next two weeks, this week and next, are very important in many respects," and requested the public's cooperation in quarantine efforts.

Meanwhile, the government separately conducted COVID-19 tests on homeless shelters and jjokbang (small rooms) and found that out of 10,971 tested, 114 were confirmed positive. Among them, 104 were homeless individuals, 3 were homeless shelter workers, and 7 were jjokbang residents.

Accordingly, the government plans to continue quarantine efforts targeting vulnerable groups and blind spots in management. Son said, "We are conducting proactive testing for street homeless people, temporary shelter residents, jjokbang residents, and workers," adding, "We will continue to identify and address marginalized parts of our society to minimize quarantine blind spots."

The government is also strengthening quarantine management in workplaces with many foreign workers and foreigner-dense areas. To this end, workplaces were prioritized for inspection based on the scale of foreign employment.

By the 12th of next month, quarantine conditions and foreign employment management will be reviewed at 100 foreign employment workplaces in the Gyeonggi region. Starting from the 22nd, voluntary inspections will be conducted on 10,945 workplaces, including small and medium enterprises in metropolitan industrial complexes and nationwide meat processing plants.

Additionally, a one-on-one non-face-to-face survey by phone will be conducted targeting approximately 16,000 foreign workers to inquire about symptoms and other conditions.

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