Authorities: "Increase in Cases Is a Normal Phenomenon Due to Gradual Return to Normal Life"

Ryu Geun-hyeok, Vice Minister of Health and Welfare Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chun-hee] As the 'gradual recovery of daily life (With Corona)' began on the 1st, authorities predicted that the number of COVID-19 confirmed cases would increase for the time being.

Ryu Geun-hyeok, Vice Minister of Health and Welfare (First Chief Coordinator of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters), explained on MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' on the 1st, "When gradual recovery of daily life is implemented, it is common for most countries to see an initial increase in confirmed cases." He noted that the same phenomenon occurred in countries like the UK, Denmark, and Israel, which previously implemented With Corona.

He added, "We are fully considering a level that the medical system can handle," mentioning that appropriate preparations are being made by utilizing home treatment and residential treatment centers and securing intensive care unit beds.

Vice Minister Ryu also explained the plan for promoting gradual recovery of daily life thereafter. He said, "We plan to ease quarantine measures in three stages," adding, "After operating for four weeks, we will evaluate the quarantine situation and risks for two weeks and review how to adjust within the scope of quarantine rules."

Regarding the controversy surrounding the introduction of the 'Quarantine Pass (vaccination certificate and negative test confirmation system),' he emphasized that the system was introduced "to protect the unvaccinated and to foster autonomy in small business operations." He also addressed concerns about an increase in PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests, stating, "The quarantine pass applies to only about 6.2% of all multi-use facilities, and the unvaccinated population aged 18 and over is about 3.43 million," suggesting that concerns about a surge are not significant. However, he added that "we will closely monitor the situation and respond to demand" in case of any sudden increase.

Finally, Vice Minister Ryu reiterated, "Masks must be worn in all cases," and urged, "Only by following quarantine rules can the government’s planned gradual recovery of daily life be established and daily life be returned to the people."

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