"Omicron Variant Infected Patients Show Stable Health Conditions... However, Uncertainty Remains High"

12 More Cases Detected as of 9 PM Previous Day, Total 24
High Transmission Potential but Health Status Likely Stable
Authorities: "Uncertainty Still High"

Nearly 1,400 People Under Overall Tracking Management
"No Notable Violations of Church Worship Rules"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Chunhee Lee] The quarantine authorities announced that there are no unusual health issues among the 24 confirmed cases of the Omicron COVID-19 variant. This supports claims that the Omicron variant has high transmissibility but relatively low virulence. However, the authorities maintain a cautious stance, stating that "more data collection is necessary."

On the afternoon of the 6th, Lee Sang-won, head of the Epidemiological Investigation and Analysis Division at the Central Disease Control Headquarters, stated at a regular briefing, "The health conditions of those confirmed with the Omicron variant are currently stable and mild." However, he emphasized that "the analysis has not yet been conducted on a large number of people," and that experts warn there is still high uncertainty as it is the early stage of the outbreak, requiring more data collection. He also noted, "Even if the severe case rate is assumed to be lower than Delta, it must be sufficiently evaluated whether it justifies adjusting the quarantine level," indicating that the current heightened quarantine measures related to the Omicron variant cannot be easily relaxed.

Regarding the rapid spread of the Omicron variant in South Africa, where it was first reported, becoming the dominant strain, he said, "The transmission speed of Omicron appears to far exceed that of the Delta variant," and that the European Union (EU), the United States, and others also "consider it highly likely that Omicron will replace Delta as the dominant strain." However, he added, "This is still the early stage," and "careful judgment is necessary."

Currently, the government is promoting the development of a separate PCR test specifically for detecting Omicron to speed up detection, by identifying parts detected in Alpha and Delta variants but not in Delta, to confirm suspected Omicron cases. Lee explained, "Considering the technical capabilities of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency and the abilities of Korean bio companies, it is expected to be completed within a month," adding, "The design for the prototype is already underway." Following this, performance evaluation using actual patient samples will lead to the product's release.

On the 6th, citizens lined up to get tested in front of the temporary COVID-19 screening clinic at Seoul Plaza. According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters, as of midnight that day, 4,325 new COVID-19 cases were reported. This is the highest number ever recorded based on Sunday occurrences and Monday reporting standards. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

The quarantine authorities are currently managing a total of about 600 close contacts, including 34 confirmed or suspected Omicron COVID-19 cases. Additionally, they are tracking approximately 1,400 people, including about 400 passengers from flights carrying confirmed Omicron cases numbered 1-2, 8-9, and 27-28, as well as about 360 attendees of a worship service on the morning of the 28th of last month. Park Young-jun, head of the Epidemiological Investigation Team at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, said, "There is still an incubation period remaining among close contacts," and "We consider the possibility of additional confirmed cases to be high."

However, the authorities explained that no violations of quarantine rules have yet been identified regarding the worship service on the afternoon of the 28th, which was attended by confirmed cases numbered 3 and 5-7. Park stated, "No particular issues have been confirmed so far," and "It is understood that the ventilation was not poor or inadequate." However, he added, "Mask-wearing is based on testimonies, so it is difficult to ascertain the actual situation on site," and further noted, "It is presumed that there were gatherings before and after the service," concluding, "Additional transmission is considered quite possible."

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