Kwon Deok-cheol: "680 Confirmed Cases... '3-Week Social Distancing Adjustment Plan' to Be Decided Based on This Week's Spread"

Cumulative First Dose Vaccinations Surpass 2.8 Million as of Previous Day
"COVID-19 Risk in Korea Expected to Significantly Decrease by End of June"
Expanded Daily Life Recovery Measures for Fully Vaccinated Individuals

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] The quarantine authorities have announced their intention to decide on social distancing adjustment measures for the next three weeks based on the COVID-19 outbreak situation by the end of this week.

Kwon Deok-cheol, First Deputy Head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (Minister of Health and Welfare), held a Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures meeting at the government Sejong office on the 29th and said, "The average daily number of confirmed COVID-19 cases over the past week (April 22?28) was 678, a slight increase compared to the previous week's average of 645."

Deputy Head Kwon stated, "There were no confirmed cases in Sejong and Jeonnam based on domestic occurrence, but many cases are still being reported in Seoul and Gyeonggi. Most infection routes are through contact with confirmed cases, accounting for about 60%."

Currently, the authorities have designated this week as a special quarantine management week to curb the spread of COVID-19 without raising the social distancing level. Deputy Head Kwon emphasized, "Depending on whether the spread continues or stabilizes by the end of this week, the social distancing adjustment plan for the next three weeks will be decided," urging continued compliance with quarantine rules.

He also noted, "Yesterday, more than 220,000 citizens received vaccinations, bringing the total number of first-dose recipients to over 2.8 million. Although the goal is set for the end of April, which is tomorrow, achieving 3 million vaccinations is expected to be fully possible." He added, "The government is steadily procuring and administering vaccines according to the original goal of achieving herd immunity by November."

With the acceleration of vaccine administration, the authorities assess that the target of vaccinating 12 million people by June and 36 million by September is on track. Deputy Head Kwon explained, "It took 39 days to reach 1 million vaccinations initially, mainly among the elderly in nursing hospitals and facilities, but it took 17 days to reach 2 million, and if the target is met today (29th), it will take only 6 days to reach 3 million. The vaccination speed is increasing." He added, "If this trend continues, the goal of vaccinating 12 million elderly, vulnerable groups, and essential social workers by June and 36 million people, about 70% of the total population, by September will be fully achieved." He expressed confidence, saying, "We expect herd immunity to be formed by November as planned."

Deputy Head Kwon said, "Over the past year, 95% of all COVID-19 related deaths were among seniors aged 60 and above. Once the first dose vaccination for the elderly is completed by the end of June, the risk posed by COVID-19 to our society will significantly decrease."

He also explained, "Starting from the 5th of next month, those who have completed vaccination will not be required to self-quarantine even if they have close contact with confirmed cases, except in some exceptional cases. Instead, they will undergo active monitoring for 14 days and receive two tests during that period."

At the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures meeting held that day, measures including checking COVID-19 responses in major local governments and gradually easing the frequency of proactive testing in nursing hospitals and facilities were discussed. Deputy Head Kwon evaluated, "With up to twice-weekly proactive testing of nursing hospital and facility workers and over 75% vaccination coverage among workers and users, the risk of infection has significantly decreased. Comparing February and March, before and after vaccination, the number of group isolation cases in the same group dropped from 16 to 9, and the number of confirmed cases decreased by more than 85%."

Accordingly, the government plans to expand daily life recovery measures for those who have completed vaccination. He said, "Considering regional social distancing levels and workers' vaccination status, the frequency of proactive testing in nursing hospitals and facilities will be reduced. Limited contact visits will also be allowed for vaccinated individuals under certain conditions."

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