Health Authorities: Fatality Rate of Fully Vaccinated Individuals Below Seasonal Flu Level

Severe COVID-19 Cases Increase but Fatality Rate Unlikely to Rise
Discussion on Lifting Mask Mandate Premature

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki Ha-young] The government emphasized that the current fatality rate of Omicron is maintaining a stable level at 0.13%, and there is no need to be overly sensitive or anxious about the increase in severe cases.

Son Young-rae, head of the Social Strategy Division at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, said at a back briefing on the 21st, "Due to the characteristics of Omicron, the spread is very rapid, but the severity and fatality rates tend to decrease," adding, "Severe cases will increase for a while, but this is somewhat natural, so there is no need to react too sensitively or become anxious."

He explained, "The fatality rate of the Delta variant was about 0.7%, and Omicron is around 0.18%. Compared to the fatality rate of seasonal flu, which is 0.05 to 0.1%, it is about twice as high, but when compared to the Delta variant’s fatality rate, which was 8 to 9 times that of seasonal flu, it is a stable figure."

He continued, "The fatality rate over the two weeks from the 16th to the 29th of last month was even lower at 0.13%, and if we look only at those under their 50s, the fatality rate is approaching 0%. The fatality rate among fully vaccinated individuals is assessed to be below that of seasonal flu."

Furthermore, he predicted that although the number of severe cases may increase for a while, the fatality rate will not rise. This is due to Omicron’s low fatality rate, high vaccination rate, and the operation of a well-prepared medical system.

Regarding the case of a 7-month-old baby who was receiving home treatment in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, and died during hospital transfer, an investigation is underway to determine whether there was any delay in the emergency medical system operation. Son said, "We need to understand the specific situation," adding, "Rather than a problem with hospital beds, we are investigating whether there was any delay in the process of dispatching an ambulance and transferring the patient for the 7-month-old baby during the operation of the emergency medical system."

He said, "According to the first situation report, the call was made in a state of cardiac arrest, 119 arrived within 8 to 9 minutes, and the patient was transferred to Korea University Ansan Hospital about 30 to 40 minutes later," adding, "It is understood that CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) was being performed during that process." He added, "Usually, a delay of 30 to 40 minutes can occur, and we are currently investigating whether there was any time delay."

Regarding the case of a man in his 50s in Bongcheon-dong, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, who was a home treatment subject and died, he said, "The health center contacted him after confirmation, but the contact was continuously unsuccessful, and he died during that process," adding, "Since the patient was not classified, we are reviewing what measures can be taken to prevent recurrence, but I understand it is not easy."

He expressed the view that it is still premature to lift the mask-wearing mandate, as is being done in Europe and other regions. Son said, "The basic direction is to operate the existing quarantine system conservatively until the peak of the outbreak is confirmed and then ease it afterward," adding, "The peak has not yet been confirmed, so it is uncertain."

He added, "Masks are the most effective quarantine measure in terms of cost and effectiveness," and "Ultimately, it is a matter to be reviewed last, so it is difficult to predict when the review will take place at this time."

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