Concerns Over Omicron Spread... Social Distancing Likely to Be Extended for 2 Weeks

Prime Minister Kim: "Decide Adjustment Measures After Cool-Headed Analysis of Current Situation"

Amid the intensified social distancing measures due to the rapid increase in COVID-19 confirmed cases, the Daehak-ro area in Jongno-gu, Seoul, is showing a quiet scene. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chun-hee] The government is expected to extend the 'social distancing' measures, currently in effect until the 2nd of next month, by about two weeks. Although the recent spread of COVID-19 has somewhat slowed, the rapid spread of the Omicron variant and ongoing risk factors such as an increase in severe cases have led to this decision.

Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum said at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters meeting on the morning of the 29th, "After a thorough analysis and evaluation of the current situation, we will decide on the adjustment plan for quarantine measures to be applied from next week," adding, "We will make a careful conclusion." The government plans to announce the social distancing adjustment plan on the 31st after gathering opinions from the Daily Recovery Support Committee, various sectors, and experts.

According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters, as of midnight on the same day, the number of new COVID-19 cases was 5,409, an increase of 1,544 from the previous day. Compared to 7,455 cases last Wednesday, this is about 2,000 fewer. The weekly average of locally transmitted cases also showed a decline for the 11th consecutive day at 5,329.3. Jung Eun-kyung, Director of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, also diagnosed that indicators, which had worsened continuously for seven weeks due to recent quarantine measures, are improving.

The quarantine authorities evaluate that the high-intensity social distancing measures, such as the nationwide limit of four people for private gatherings and the 9 p.m. closing time for restaurants and cafes, which have been in effect since the 18th, have been effective. While there is a possibility that the distancing adjustment plan will be announced as the increase in cases has stopped, considering the spread of the Omicron variant, the time lag between case occurrence and severe or fatal cases, and the non-introduction of oral antiviral treatments, the current level is expected to be maintained.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The greatest threat is undoubtedly the Omicron variant. Although some analyses suggest a lower risk of leading to severe illness or death, the exact nature is not yet clearly identified, but there is consensus that it is more infectious than the existing Delta variant. The number of Omicron variant infections in Korea increased by 109 on the same day, reaching a total of 558. In the United States, with Omicron becoming the dominant strain, more than 250,000 cases are confirmed daily.

Accordingly, the government has extended quarantine and other preventive measures for all overseas arrivals for 10 days by an additional four weeks until February 3rd next year. To prevent infections after pre-entry PCR testing, the criteria for applying negative test certificates have been strengthened from the issuance date to the test date.

Even if new cases begin to decline, the 2-3 week lag in the impact on severe cases and deaths also influences decisions. The weekly average number of deaths still reaches 68. The oral antiviral treatment 'Paxlovid,' which could be a 'game changer,' has received emergency use approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and is expected to be introduced as early as next month, but the exact schedule has not yet been confirmed.

Baek Soon-young, Emeritus Professor at the Catholic University School of Medicine, emphasized, "Even if the number of confirmed cases decreases, the number of severe cases may increase for a while," adding, "Considering the possibility of the spread of the Omicron variant, a proactive extension of social distancing for about two weeks is inevitable."

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