2030 COVID-19 Cases ↑, 6070 Cases ↓... Vaccine Effectiveness?

On the 26th of last month, elderly people were receiving COVID-19 vaccinations at the vaccination center in Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Chunhee Lee] The quarantine authorities have urged the public to adhere to preventive measures, stating that the spread of COVID-19 continues mainly among the younger generation.

According to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters on the 28th, the age group with the highest number of confirmed cases in the past week (20th to 26th) was people in their 20s, with 636 cases. This is an increase of 112 cases (21.4%) compared to 524 cases the previous week. The incidence rate per 100,000 population also rose from 7.7 to 9.3.

Following this were those in their 50s with 630 cases (7.3 per 100,000), 40s with 602 cases (7.2), and 30s with 554 cases (7.9).

The age group with the largest increase in confirmed cases compared to the previous week was teenagers. Cases in this group rose from 239 to 322, showing a significant increase of 34.7%.

On the other hand, those in their 70s and 60s, who have been substantially vaccinated against COVID-19, showed a continuous decline in confirmed cases. Cases among people in their 70s decreased by 18.8%, from 117 to 95, and those in their 60s also dropped by 12.9%, from 395 to 344.

The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters analyzed that while the number of patients aged 60 and above continues to decline, the incidence among those under 60, who have lower vaccination rates, is on the rise.

Lee Sang-won, head of the Epidemiological Investigation and Analysis Team at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, explained the infection routes, stating, "Confirmed cases in their 20s and 30s were mostly transmitted in multi-use facilities such as restaurants and entertainment venues, as well as among acquaintances, whereas cases in their 40s and 50s were more often linked to group infections through religious activities and workplaces." He added, "Until herd immunity is established throughout our society through sufficient vaccination, we once again urge everyone to strictly follow basic preventive measures such as wearing masks, ensuring adequate ventilation, and getting tested immediately if symptoms appear."

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