COVID-19 'Infection Reproduction Number' Highest Since Third Week of July... Jeon Hae-cheol "Concerns Over Further Spread Increase"

"Concerns Rise Over Increased Movement During Two October Holidays"
Daily Average COVID-19 Cases Increasing... Government Extends Level 4 Social Distancing in Seoul Metropolitan Area for 2 Weeks

Jeon Hae-cheol, the 2nd Deputy Head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety), is delivering opening remarks at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters video conference on COVID-19 quarantine measures and vaccination response status, held on the afternoon of the 3rd at the video conference room of the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Due to the continued spread of COVID-19 following the Chuseok holiday, the domestic infection reproduction number has recorded the highest level again since the third week of July.

On the 3rd, Jeon Hae-cheol, the 2nd Deputy Head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, stated in his opening remarks at the meeting, "Last week, the infection reproduction number was 1.2, marking the highest point since the third week of July," adding, "There remains a possibility of continued spread of infection, and there is significant concern about additional spread due to increased movement during the two consecutive holidays in October."

The average daily number of confirmed cases has been on the rise since the Chuseok holiday. Last week, the daily number of confirmed cases increased by 22% compared to the previous week, which included the Chuseok holiday. Deputy Head Jeon diagnosed, "Cluster infections continue to occur in large hospitals and traditional markets in the metropolitan area, as well as among vulnerable foreign nationals, making it difficult to suppress the epidemic in the short term."

Accordingly, the government extended the social distancing measures at Level 4 in the metropolitan area and Level 3 in non-metropolitan areas for two more weeks. Deputy Head Jeon explained, "Since the need to suppress the spread of infection is very high, the existing social distancing and quarantine rules will be extended for two weeks."

Regarding the vaccination situation, it was announced that the second dose vaccination will be intensified and the completion rate of vaccination among those who have not received the first dose will be increased. Among adults aged 18 and over, 89.9% have received the first dose, and 61% have completed full vaccination. The number of severe cases decreased by nearly half, from 301 in the fourth week of August to 160 in the fifth week of September, and the cumulative fatality rate dropped from 0.92% to 0.79%.

Deputy Head Jeon said, "As of yesterday, the initially planned first-dose vaccination schedule for adults aged 18 and over has been completed," evaluating that "the visible effects of vaccination are clearly confirmed." He added, "This month, we plan to intensify the second dose vaccination and maximize the completion rate of vaccination for those who have not received the first dose, including foreign nationals and children and adolescents."

Meanwhile, the government plans to strengthen its response capabilities by reorganizing personnel centered on local health centers in cities, counties, and districts, and improving the epidemiological information system. For home treatment, a comprehensive operation plan will be finalized and shared with local governments, which will cooperate in forming dedicated treatment teams and organizing emergency transport systems.

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