Government: "If the spread continues, an emergency situation may arise... Please refrain from year-end gatherings"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo Sojeong] "If we fail to curb the current spread, the lives of our citizens, including the elderly and those with underlying health conditions, could become even more at risk. I kindly ask everyone to strictly adhere to quarantine guidelines and get vaccinated especially during this week."

Kwon Deok-cheol, First Deputy Head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (Minister of Health and Welfare), stated during the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting held at the Government Sejong Complex on the 13th, "If the current infection spread continues, an emergency situation beyond our existing response capacity may arise."

Deputy Head Kwon emphasized, "To prevent a sharp increase in deaths or the worst-case scenario such as lockdowns, rapid testing, isolation, treatment, compliance with quarantine rules, vaccination, and the implementation of the vaccine pass must proceed without disruption."

He explained, "Vaccination, especially the third dose, is the most effective safety measure in the fight against COVID-19. According to foreign studies, the infection prevention effect of the third dose is ten times greater than that of the second dose, and the prevention effect against severe illness is twenty times greater."

Deputy Head Kwon added, "The third dose is not optional but essential, particularly for the elderly in the community whose immunity has declined. Relevant ministries and local governments should utilize all available local resources, including medical institutions, public health centers, and officials in towns, townships, and neighborhoods, as well as community leaders, to support vaccination."

Regarding the expansion of the vaccine pass, he said, "The vaccine pass is the minimum necessary measure to protect unvaccinated individuals and the community’s safety in high-risk facilities," urging cooperation. On the youth vaccine pass, he stated, "We will adhere to the basic principles while improving it to minimize inconvenience and burden."

Concerning the sharp increase in severe COVID-19 cases, Deputy Head Kwon expressed concern, saying, "We are facing an unprecedented crisis in the fight against COVID-19. The number of severe cases has risen to about 900, reaching the limit of medical capacity, and last week’s confirmed cases increased by 38% compared to the previous week, making future predictions difficult."

He continued, "If it is judged difficult to reverse the crisis, we will have no choice but to strengthen quarantine measures to protect the lives of the people. Along with individual quarantine rules such as wearing masks, hand washing, and ventilation, we ask that group dinners and events be refrained from as much as possible toward the end of the year."

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