Omicron Asymptomatic and Mild Cases No Longer Hospitalized... Home Treatment Standardized (Update)

A confirmed COVID-19 patient undergoing home treatment at an apartment in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul, is receiving a 'Home Treatment Kit' delivered by the Yangcheon-gu COVID-19 Home Treatment Task Force. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chun-hee] Due to its high transmissibility, home treatment will now be mandatory even for patients infected with the Omicron variant, who previously were required to be hospitalized.

Son Young-rae, head of the Social Strategy Division at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH), stated at the regular COVID-19 briefing on the morning of the 19th, "Starting today (the 19th), home treatment will be fully implemented for confirmed Omicron variant cases," adding, "For selection and concentration, residential treatment centers will be primarily allocated to high-risk elderly and patients with underlying conditions."

Currently, confirmed Omicron variant cases, including severe patients as well as asymptomatic or mild cases, are required to be hospitalized or admitted to residential treatment centers to prevent further transmission. Home treatment is only allowed in exceptional cases, such as when children are confirmed with Omicron or require care. However, from today, home treatment will effectively become mandatory for Omicron cases as well. Only high-risk elderly and patients with underlying conditions will be eligible for hospitalization or admission to residential treatment centers.

According to the CDSCH, as of midnight today, there are 17,283 patients undergoing home treatment nationwide. Of these, 12,100 (70.0%) are concentrated in the Seoul metropolitan area. There are a total of 346 medical institutions managing home treatment, including 149 in the metropolitan area and 197 outside it. Additionally, 47 outpatient treatment centers are in operation.

Regarding this, Son said, "We will strengthen the medical infrastructure and expand the participation of local clinics to solidify home treatment in preparation for the spread of Omicron."

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