Cumulative Deaths Related to Omicron Reach 6... Nationwide COVID Risk Level 'Moderate' for 2 Consecutive Weeks (Summary 2)

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[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] The cumulative number of deaths related to the nationwide Omicron COVID-19 variant has been recorded at six. The cumulative number of critically ill patients is seven. The COVID-19 risk level was assessed as 'medium' nationwide, in the metropolitan area, and in non-metropolitan areas.

On the afternoon of the 17th, Park Youngjun, head of the epidemiological investigation team at the Central Disease Control Headquarters (CDCH), stated, "This week, a total of two confirmed cases and four epidemiologically linked cases were identified, confirming a total of six deaths," adding, "Most were found to have underlying health conditions."

Park added, "The reported deaths occurred in one case in Gyeonggi Province and five cases in Gwangju," and explained, "The Gyeonggi case was an imported case from overseas, while the Gwangju cases were confirmed as part of a cluster outbreak in a local nursing hospital." Among the deceased, one had completed the third vaccination, three had completed only the second vaccination, one had completed only the first vaccination, and one was unvaccinated.

The health authorities reiterated the importance of vaccination. Hong Jeongik, head of the Vaccination Management Team at the COVID-19 Vaccination Response Promotion Group, said, "For those who have completed the second dose, the third dose is the best way to prevent Omicron. Research results show that the third dose provides sufficient protection against infection, severe illness, and death from Omicron," and urged, "Those who have completed the second dose and are eligible for the third dose are strongly recommended to receive it promptly."

Regarding the recent surge of the Omicron variant in the United States, where the rate of critically ill patients among the general population reached 76 per one million, Lee Sangwon, head of the Epidemiological Investigation and Analysis Division at the CDCH, explained, "It is correct to consider that the critical illness rate from the Omicron variant is about three to four times lower than that of Delta," but added, "The situation in the U.S. and South Korea may differ."

He continued, "The U.S. has a lower vaccination rate than ours, but a much larger portion of the population has been infected. About 20% of the U.S. population has already been infected," and noted, "It is unclear whether natural immunity or vaccination provides better protection, but South Korea has a slightly higher vaccination rate and different social conditions, so the critical illness rate here may have a different outcome."

Last week, the domestic detection rate of the Omicron variant was 26.7%, more than double the previous week's 12.5%, showing a very rapid spread. According to the CDCH on the day, from the 9th to the 15th, a total of 2,679 new Omicron infections were confirmed nationwide, with 1,363 imported cases and 1,316 domestic infections. As of midnight on the 15th, the cumulative number of Omicron infections reached 5,030.

Notably, among imported confirmed cases, a staggering 94.7% were identified as the Omicron variant. It is analyzed that the variant is rapidly spreading in the Gyeonggi and Honam regions through cluster infections among foreign groups such as the U.S. Forces Korea.

Regarding the sharp increase in cases centered around Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, where a U.S. military base is located, Lee said, "About one-third of the cases in Gyeonggi Province over the past few days occurred in Pyeongtaek," but added, "The spread of Omicron is not a problem confined to one area; it is not surprising if it occurs anywhere nationwide. Going forward, the spread of the variant will accelerate regardless of whether it is in the metropolitan or non-metropolitan areas."

Meanwhile, the health authorities assessed the COVID-19 risk level for the second week of January (9th?15th) as 'medium' nationwide, in the metropolitan area, and in non-metropolitan areas. Regarding the risk level in non-metropolitan areas, Lee stated, "A slight increase in cases was observed," and "Considering the rapid increase of the Omicron variant, the risk level was raised from 'low' after taking into account the proportion of critically ill patients and the capacity of medical response."

Regarding the 39 patients prescribed Pfizer's oral antiviral treatment 'Paxlovid' since the 14th, Lee reported, "The patients' conditions have improved, and none are currently in a severe state."

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