Health Minister Kwon Deok-cheol "Considering Gradual Transition to Normal Life Recovery from November 1"

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hyowon] Health and Welfare Minister Kwon Deok-cheol announced on the 20th that the government is considering transitioning to 'With COVID-19' starting November 1.

Minister of Health and Welfare Kwon Deok-cheol responding.
Photo by Yonhap News

Minister Kwon made this statement while attending the National Assembly Health and Welfare Committee's audit on the same day. As the COVID-19 vaccination rate increases and new confirmed cases decrease, the government is pushing to shift the quarantine system to a phased recovery of daily life next month.

Once 70% of the domestic population and 80% of adults complete vaccination, the quarantine system will be transitioned. Restrictions on the operation of multi-use facilities and gathering limits will be gradually eased, focusing more on preventing deaths and managing severe cases rather than suppressing the occurrence of confirmed cases.

The easing of regulations will be implemented step-by-step in line with vaccination completion rates reaching 70%, 80%, and 85%. Currently, the vaccination completion rate stands at 66.7% of the population, and Director Jeong Eun-kyung of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) expects it to reach 70% between the 23rd and 25th of this month and 80% in November.

In response to Rep. Shin's question about the timing of reaching an 80% vaccination completion rate, Director Jeong said, "It could be around November," but added, "Since vaccinations are ongoing, it is difficult to state definitively."

Regarding the outlook for COVID-19 spread after phased daily life recovery, Director Jeong stated, "Although the rate of severe cases has decreased due to vaccination, vaccine effectiveness is waning, and there is a possibility of new variant viruses emerging."

He added, "I expect the virus to circulate for about one to two years while maintaining balance. As immunity builds up and the virus becomes endemic, it will evolve into a common virus."

Director Jeong also revealed that the goal is to introduce oral COVID-19 treatments by January or February next year.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is reviewing emergency approval for 'Molnupiravir,' an oral COVID-19 treatment developed by the American pharmaceutical company Merck & Co. (MSD).

In response to Rep. Shin's question about whether Molnupiravir could be introduced in South Korea within this year if the FDA approves it by year-end, Director Jeong said, "Approval from South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety is also required," and added, "We aim to shorten the introduction timeline as much as possible, targeting January to February next year."

As the government announced plans to purchase 40,000 doses of oral treatments, concerns were raised that 'more than ten times the amount should be purchased.' Director Jeong agreed, saying, "There is definitely a need for additional procurement," and revealed, "We are currently negotiating contracts with three companies."

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