Authorities: "Hidden infections, Delta variant, and increased mobility raise infection risk... Primary goal is 'pre-4th wave level'" (Update)

"Non-metropolitan areas have a higher proportion of transmission due to cluster outbreaks"

On the 27th, when the dual hardships of the COVID-19 surge and heatwave were rampant, a summer vacation notice was posted at a store in Tongin Market, Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Mun Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] The quarantine authorities have assessed the recent 4th wave of COVID-19 as having a "higher risk of infection compared to previous waves."

On the 29th, Park Young-jun, head of the epidemiological investigation team at the Central Disease Control Headquarters, stated at the regular COVID-19 briefing, "We evaluate the current situation as having a higher risk of infection than before," adding, "However, the tools to respond to infectious diseases are not significantly different from before. The key will be how we operate those tools."

The authorities pointed out three differences between the previous three domestic waves and the current wave: the peak of the 4th wave is continuing amid a larger number of hidden infections; despite strengthened social distancing, the reduction in mobility is slow; and the Delta variant, which has higher transmissibility, has become the dominant variant.

Park said, "From our experience, we know that the starting point of the tools we have is the participation of the public," emphasizing, "If mobility decreases, social distancing is observed, personal quarantine rules are well followed, and vaccinations are completed, the period to overcome the wave will be shortened even slightly."

Another characteristic of this wave is that the highest proportion of infections still occurs through contact with confirmed cases, while in non-metropolitan areas, the proportion of transmission through cluster outbreaks is higher compared to metropolitan areas. Transmission is mainly active through workplaces, academies, and private institutes. Park explained, "When sporadic confirmed cases are identified through family contact or multi-use facilities, they are usually classified as contact with confirmed cases, and this has been increasing mainly in metropolitan areas," adding, "However, in non-metropolitan areas, the proportion of transmission through small cluster outbreaks in workplaces and businesses is increasing."

Regarding this wave, the primary goal of the quarantine authorities is to reduce the number of confirmed cases to the level before the 4th wave. The next goal is to maintain the downward trend. However, even if the number of confirmed cases decreases to pre-wave levels, social distancing stages cannot be immediately adjusted. Park stated, "The number of confirmed cases is not a target figure that can be directly linked and applied to social distancing," explaining, "Since various situations need to be considered together when making decisions, continuous monitoring of the situation and discussions among multiple government departments are necessary."

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