Over 6,000 Infected with Four Major Domestic Variants... 73 New Delta Variant Cases Confirmed

Citizens visiting the temporary screening clinic set up at Seoul Station Plaza on the 28th are undergoing tests. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chun-hee] The number of infections from the four major COVID-19 variants introduced into South Korea has effectively surpassed 6,000.

Lee Sang-won, head of the Epidemiological Investigation and Analysis Team at the Central Disease Control Headquarters, stated at the regular COVID-19 briefing on the 28th, "In the past week, an additional 267 confirmed cases of major variant viruses were identified," adding, "By type, there were 189 Alpha cases, 1 Beta case, 4 Gamma cases, and 73 Delta cases."

Currently, the World Health Organization (WHO) classifies four COVID-19 variant viruses as 'major (variants of concern)': Alpha (UK variant), Beta (South Africa variant), Gamma (Brazil variant), and Delta (India variant). The cumulative confirmed cases by type are 2,075 for Alpha, 143 for Beta, 11 for Gamma, and 263 for Delta.

Among 719 samples analyzed for variants in the past week, 267 were detected with variant viruses, resulting in a variant detection rate of 37.1%. This is about 1.6 times higher than the 20.7% detection rate (2,492 out of 12,055 samples) since genetic analysis began in December last year. It is also slightly higher than last week's detection rate of 35.7%.

So far, the number of cluster infection cases with confirmed variant virus infections in South Korea has increased by 26 from the previous week, totaling 191 cases. Among the new cases, 82 were confirmed as variant infections, and the epidemiologically related cases reached 308. Currently, due to genetic testing capacity, when some cases in a cluster infection are confirmed as variant infections, the entire cluster is effectively classified as 'epidemiologically related cases' of variant infections.

Considering this, the total number of confirmed variant cases (2,492) plus cumulative epidemiologically related cases (3,579) results in an effective total of 6,071 infections from the four major variants, exceeding 6,000.

On the 28th, as concerns about the spread of COVID-19 variants grow, overseas arrivals are waiting at Terminal 1 of Incheon International Airport. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

Among these, the spread of the Delta variant, which has higher transmissibility and hospitalization rates and raises concerns about reducing vaccine efficacy, is becoming serious. The number of confirmed Delta variant cases in South Korea has steadily increased over the past four weeks: 17 → 30 → 35 → 73. Especially this week, the number of confirmed cases more than doubled compared to the previous week, showing a 'doubling' phenomenon. Including 97 epidemiologically related cases, the total number of Delta variant infections reaches 360.

The Delta variant is currently occurring in over 85 countries worldwide, centered on India and the UK. It is reported to have 1.6 times higher transmissibility and about 2.26 times higher hospitalization rates than the Alpha variant. Additionally, there are interpretations that it may reduce vaccine efficacy, leading to overall concerns that it is more dangerous than the Alpha variant.

Notably, in addition to India, 42 confirmed Delta variant cases have entered the country from Indonesia in the past two weeks, increasing the risk of Delta variant introduction not only from India but also from other countries. Park Young-jun, head of the Epidemiological Investigation Team at the Central Disease Control Headquarters, said, "Indonesia is also known as a country where the Delta variant has been confirmed," adding, "We need to examine the context more closely regarding the recent increase in Delta variant cases among arrivals from Indonesia."

On the afternoon of the 22nd, essential social workers under the age of 30 received the Pfizer vaccine at the vaccination center in Buk-gu, Gwangju. (Photo by Buk-gu Office, Gwangju)

However, as research results indicate that the weakening of vaccine efficacy against the Delta variant is not at a concerning level, our health authorities maintain the position that vaccination can sufficiently cope with the Delta variant. According to a recent analysis by the UK Public Health England (PHE), the Pfizer vaccine and AstraZeneca (AZ) vaccine showed 88% and 60% effectiveness, respectively, two weeks after completing vaccination against the Delta variant. Although efficacy has somewhat decreased compared to the initial virus, it still provides sufficient preventive effects.

However, after only the first dose, both vaccines showed low effectiveness of about 33% against the Delta variant. This is why academia is calling for shortening the current 11-week interval between AZ vaccine doses.

Nonetheless, Hong Jung-ik, head of the Vaccination Management Team at the COVID-19 Vaccination Response Headquarters, explained, "Recent studies show that completing the second dose helps respond to the Delta variant," but added, "There is no comparative research on whether shortening the vaccination interval to increase response to the Delta variant or extending the interval to enhance immunity itself is better," and stated, "Currently, there is insufficient evidence to adjust the vaccination interval immediately."

Hong also said, "We are reviewing booster shots for those who have completed vaccination," explaining, "The purpose is to help counter variants and to sustain immunity over the long term." He added, "Research on booster shots, including which vaccination schedule and vaccines to use, is ongoing overseas. Once accumulated scientific evidence is available, we will establish plans based on it."

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