561 New Confirmed Cases... Temporary Phenomenon or Prelude to the 4th Wave?

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] The quarantine authorities are paying close attention to the increase in new COVID-19 cases following the Seollal holiday. New cases, which had dropped to the 300s during the holiday, are rising again due to cluster infections in factories, religious facilities, and medical institutions. Experts are raising the possibility of a '4th wave' of the pandemic.

As of midnight on the 19th, the number of new domestic cases was 561, slightly lower than the 600s recorded in the past two days. In fact, the average daily number of locally transmitted cases over the past week (February 11?17) was 405.9, entering the 2.5 level range (nationwide 400?500 or more, or rapid doubling, etc.).

In Seoul, the daily new cases have been around 150 for seven consecutive days since the 13th. Although no new large-scale cluster infections have occurred, additional infections continue in existing hospitals, academies, and sports facilities.

The quarantine authorities stated that it is difficult to determine whether the current situation is temporary or a resurgence, emphasizing that stabilization now is necessary to prepare for the 4th wave.

Going forward, how well quarantine rules are followed will be a critical turning point in determining whether the spread continues.

Globally, fortunately, both new COVID-19 cases and deaths are decreasing. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that the number of new cases worldwide for the week ending on the 14th decreased by 16% compared to the previous week, totaling 2.7 million.

During the same period, deaths also decreased by 10% to 81,000. The rate of decrease in cases was recorded in the following order: Africa (20%), East Asia (20%), Europe (18%), and Southeast Asia (13%).

On the other hand, the momentum of variant viruses is not easing. The number of countries where variants originating from the UK and South Africa have been detected has increased to 94 and 46, respectively. The German government cited a study showing that the proportion of UK variant infections increased nearly fourfold from 5.8% two weeks ago, projecting that by early next month, 80% of new cases will be infected with variant viruses if this pace continues.

The European Union announced plans to invest 300 billion KRW in virus research to respond to variants. In the United States, as of the 16th, 1,277 people in 43 states were reported infected with the UK variant virus.

We are now in the 'With COVID' era, managing the infection situation while continuing daily life. There is no shortcut in quarantine. When you, I, and we all strictly follow daily quarantine rules for each other, we can prevent the spread of community infections and create a 'Mimiwi Gangnam' that is inclusive, considerate, and respectful.

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

Here is the status of confirmed cases in Gangnam-gu. Today, cases have been confirmed up to number 1253. Case 1251 is related to a cluster infection at a university hospital in Yongsan-gu, and case 1252 is a family member of a previously confirmed Gangnam-gu resident. Case 1253 tested positive with fever symptoms, but the infection route is unknown, and an epidemiological investigation is underway.

Currently, Gangnam-gu is managing 1,040 self-quarantined individuals, of whom 788 are overseas arrivals and 252 are domestic contacts.

The cumulative number of tests conducted at Gangnam-gu Public Health Center's screening clinics and temporary screening sites is 209,796. Yesterday, among 1,600 tested, 37 were overseas arrivals and 1,563 were domestic residents.

The first COVID-19 vaccine recipient in Korea is expected to be publicly announced next week. The quarantine authorities stated that vaccinations will begin on the 26th at nursing hospitals and care facilities using the AstraZeneca vaccine and will be gradually expanded.

Gangnam-gu will also start vaccinations on the same day for 1,105 residents under 65 years old at eight nursing hospitals and five care facilities in the district. Considering those with mobility difficulties, medical staff from Gangnam-gu Public Health Center will also visit directly to administer vaccines. Vaccinations for seniors aged 65 and over will be decided after additional clinical information is confirmed by the government at the end of March.

From March 8, vaccinations will begin for about 9,200 workers at tertiary general hospitals, general hospitals, and other medical institutions that treat many severe patients. Vaccinations for about 2,000 first responders working in quarantine fields, such as 119 emergency medical teams and epidemiological investigators, will also start in March.

For reference, 365 people, including 17 medical staff at local residential treatment centers targeted in the first quarter and medical staff treating COVID-19 critical patients at Samsung Seoul Hospital and Gangnam Severance Hospital, are prioritized for Pfizer vaccine vaccination as designated by the government.

Additionally, Gangnam-gu operates a dedicated team of eight members, including public officials and medical staff, to respond immediately to adverse reactions and ensure prompt compensation claims are processed.

For information related to vaccine administration in Gangnam-gu, please refer to the Gangnam-gu Office website.

With the easing of social distancing measures to level 2 in the metropolitan area, restaurants, cafes, and other multi-use facilities can now operate until 10 p.m.

Gangnam-gu is conducting random on-site inspections of about 25,000 multi-use facilities in the district until the 28th.

In particular, since yesterday, focused crackdowns have been carried out on 270 party rooms, which have a high risk of cluster infections. Several cases have confirmed that wearing masks prevented large-scale transmission, so we once again urge everyone to wear masks on public transportation and in multi-use facilities.

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