Authorities: "Omicron Suspected Cases Differ from Common Variants... Signs of Suspicion Are Significant"

Whole Genome Sequencing in Progress... Results Expected as Early as Tonight

Co-habitants Under Home Treatment Allowed to Go Out for Essentials
Risk of Infection "Unavoidable"

On the 30th, amid ongoing concerns about the COVID-19 Omicron variant, overseas arrivals are waiting at Terminal 1 of Incheon International Airport. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chun-hee] Amid the discovery of the first suspected case of the Omicron COVID-19 variant in South Korea, health authorities have stated that they consider it highly likely that the case involves the Omicron variant. The authorities are currently conducting whole genome sequencing tests on these cases. The results are expected to be available as early as late afternoon on the 1st.

Son Young-rae, head of the Social Strategy Division at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, appeared on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' on the morning of the same day and said regarding the suspected Omicron variant case imported from Nigeria, "The pattern of the variant analysis is different from the usual patterns we have been confirming," adding, "There are significant signs of suspicion." He further explained about this case, "The analysis results differ from those of the Delta variant," and "Since Nigeria is a place likely affected by Omicron, although we need to wait for the results, there are considerable suspicious aspects."

The government announced the previous day that they suspect a couple in their 40s residing in Incheon, who visited Nigeria from the 14th to the 23rd, transited through Ethiopia, and returned via Incheon International Airport on the 24th before testing positive the next day, may have been infected with the Omicron variant. In addition to the couple, their son (a teenager) and an acquaintance (a man in his 40s) who assisted them from the airport to their home after their return also tested positive. Among the 81 passengers on the couple’s return flight, 45 have entered the country, and authorities are conducting contact tracing and management for them.

This case has been classified as a suspected Omicron case after a variant PCR test on the additional confirmed acquaintance returned positive. The test showed positivity in regions common to Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Omicron variants, while the mutation sites specific to Delta tested negative. To definitively determine whether it is the Omicron variant, authorities have secured specimens for whole genome sequencing analysis. Son said, "It will probably be confirmed this evening (the 1st) or tomorrow morning (the 2nd)."

On the 30th, amid ongoing concerns about the COVID-19 Omicron variant, overseas arrivals are waiting at Terminal 1 of Incheon International Airport. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

However, Son explained that two individuals who entered the country after visiting Germany and the Netherlands respectively from Ulsan are unlikely to be suspected Omicron cases. Regarding these cases, he said, "Rather than conducting Omicron-specific tests, about 20% of genome analyses are continuously being performed," adding, "It is a routine analysis, and there does not appear to be any specific pattern in the variant analysis."

With suspected Omicron cases confirmed domestically, the government is discussing strengthened response measures. Son stated, "The government has decided to form a cross-governmental task force (TF) to respond to Omicron," and "We are reviewing the need to strengthen responses to Omicron, including blocking entry and quarantine exemption measures for vaccinated individuals."

Meanwhile, Son also provided additional explanations regarding the backlash following the government's announcement of mandatory home treatment, which prohibits cohabitants from going to work or school. He explained, "Even if cohabiting family members are quarantined, the quarantine should be somewhat relaxed compared to that of confirmed cases," adding, "It is allowed to briefly go out to throw something away or buy items." Regarding concerns that the virus could spread through this, he said, "It is impossible to block even the minimum scope in daily life," and added, "We acknowledge that some risk of infection must be accepted."

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