'Over 300 Confirmed Cases in One Week'... Authorities Say "Too Early to Assess Decline"

"Impact of Weekend Testing Volume Decline Lasts Until Tuesday" Assessment
Repeated Encouragement for Elderly Vaccination... "Will Reduce Risk"

On the 22nd, citizens are waiting to get tested at the temporary COVID-19 screening clinic set up at Seoul Station Plaza. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] On the 23rd, the number of new COVID-19 cases decreased to the 300s for the first time in seven days, but health authorities stated that it is still difficult to confirm a clear downward trend.

Yoon Tae-ho, head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) quarantine team, said at the COVID-19 briefing that "It is difficult to evaluate the decrease in cases because the number is affected by the reduced testing volume over the weekend until Tuesday." As of midnight on the 23rd, the number of new COVID-19 cases was 346, down 69 from the previous day. This is also the first time in a week since the 16th that the number has been in the 300s.

Yoon added, "Since last week, several proactive tests have been conducted as part of the special quarantine measures in the metropolitan area. If many potential patients were identified through testing, there is a possibility that the number of confirmed cases will slightly decrease this week," and continued, "We will do our best to implement the special quarantine measures until this week and evaluate overall how to proceed with quarantine next week."

Meanwhile, on the morning of the same day, President Moon Jae-in and his wife received the AstraZeneca (AZ) vaccine, and health authorities repeatedly encouraged vaccination among the elderly.

Son Young-rae, head of the CDSCH social strategy team, said, "President Moon Jae-in and his wife received the (AstraZeneca) vaccine. Starting today, vaccinations will begin for residents aged 65 and older in nursing hospitals and facilities," adding, "Vaccinations for those aged 75 and older with the Pfizer vaccine will begin, and next month, vaccinations will also be conducted for the general population aged 65 and older."

Son explained, "The fatality rate of COVID-19 inevitably increases with age," and said, "If vaccinations for the elderly proceed smoothly in the future, even if the number of confirmed cases remains at the current scale, the risk itself will sharply decrease."

He also emphasized, "Yesterday, large-scale clinical trial results of AstraZeneca were announced in the United States, and there are currently no significant safety issues," urging, "If you have elderly family members, please encourage them to get vaccinated."

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