Infection Reproduction Number Rises to Around 1.1... "Adjusting Quarantine Measures Based on This Week's Situation Report" (Comprehensive)

Deterioration of Metropolitan Area Indicators... Increased Risk in Everyday Living Spaces

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jeong] The spread of COVID-19 is not slowing down. The infection reproduction number, which was below 1 before the Lunar New Year holiday, has recently risen to around 1.1 over the past week. The infection reproduction number indicates how many people one confirmed case infects. The health authorities plan to monitor the situation this week and consider adjusting the 'social distancing' level and other quarantine measures accordingly.

Son Young-rae, head of the Social Strategy Division at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters, stated at the regular briefing on the 21st, "The third wave, which was previously declining, is now showing an upward trend again," adding, "Considering the backlog of tests due to the Lunar New Year holiday, it is necessary to closely observe how the outbreak develops during this week."

Son also said, "It seems important to evaluate the pattern of infections, including cluster infections in special settings such as workplaces and medical institutions," and added, "We will make decisions on adjusting quarantine measures by comprehensively considering these factors."

According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters, as of midnight today, five additional confirmed cases related to Soonchunhyang University Hospital in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 206. Additionally, 14 new cases related to a plastic factory in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province, were confirmed, totaling 162 cases. Five more cases related to a heating equipment factory in Asan, Chungnam Province, were confirmed, raising the cumulative total to 170.

He explained, "Before the Lunar New Year holiday, the infection reproduction number was around the high 0.9s, close to 1, but it has now risen to about 1.1. The reproduction number is continuously increasing nationwide, especially in the metropolitan area, where it is approaching 1.1, indicating a worsening trend in the indicators."

The health authorities expect that with the start of COVID-19 vaccinations on the 26th and the gradual expansion of immunization, the risk of COVID-19 will gradually decrease.

Son stated, "Even after vaccinations begin, the risk of COVID-19 will not immediately drop but is expected to decline gradually over a period of two to three months or more," adding, "During the vaccination period, stabilizing the third wave and managing COVID-19 will be crucial."

He continued, "As the risk of COVID-19 is increasing in everyday living spaces, especially residents in the metropolitan area are urged to strictly adhere to quarantine measures in their interactions and living environments," and added, "We ask for your cooperation to help turn the current upward trend back into a decline."

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