Domestic Omicron Cumulative Infections Rise to 227... Spread Speed Increasing

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] The number of people infected with the Omicron COVID-19 variant surged by 49 in just one day.

On the morning of the 21st, Hwang Kyungwon, head of the COVID-19 Vaccination Planning Team at the COVID-19 Vaccination Promotion Task Force, said in an interview with MBC Radio's 'Kim Jongbae's Focus' that "As of yesterday, there were 178 confirmed Omicron cases, but as of today, the number has risen to 227, showing a significant increase," adding, "especially, the family infection rate is 44.7% for Omicron compared to 20% for the Delta variant."

Regarding the authorities' projection that the Omicron variant could become the dominant strain in the country within 1 to 2 months, he said, "The (spread) speed is expected to continue accelerating," and added, "If people cooperate with measures such as 'social distancing,' the dominance might be delayed somewhat, but the spread is inevitable."

On the same day, Team Leader Hwang emphasized the effectiveness of vaccination and rebutted opinions denying the necessity of vaccination based on some breakthrough infection cases. He stated, "No vaccine blocks the virus 100%," but emphasized, "In fact, breakthrough infections occurred even during the first and second doses. Nevertheless, the vaccine's effectiveness is not only in preventing infection but also in preventing severe illness and death." He also noted, "The effect on preventing severe illness and death is currently showing a relatively high level."

He also said, "The speed of the third dose vaccination has recently increased significantly, with nearly 1 million doses administered per day last week," and added, "Currently, about 24.1% of the total eligible population has received the third dose." He continued, "By shortening the interval between doses to three months, many people became eligible for vaccination in December and January, and actual participation has increased significantly, raising the vaccination rate."

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