Prime Minister Kim: "Omicron is at a manageable level... We should not be excessively anxious"

[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Son Seon-hee] Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum encouraged on the 27th regarding the recent spread of the Omicron virus, saying, "It is being maintained at a manageable level by the quarantine authorities," and urged, "As we approach the peak of Omicron, let's not be excessively anxious and endure well as we have done so far."

On the same day, Prime Minister Kim said through his social networking service (SNS), "Last week, when the number increased from 50,000 to 90,000, and then from 100,000 to 170,000 in one day, I was worried whether 'doubling,' which is about twice as much increase every day like in other countries, would occur, but such a thing did not happen."

Prime Minister Kim emphasized, "Compared to other countries that have experienced such a crisis, our current situation is clearly at a manageable level," adding, "Currently, our country is maintaining relatively stable key quarantine indicators such as the number of critically ill patients, deaths, and hospital bed occupancy rates." He continued, "Compared to the time when the Delta variant peaked at the end of last year, the average daily number of confirmed cases has increased 17 times, but the number of critically ill patients is significantly lower, and the intensive care unit bed occupancy rate is maintained around 40%."

He also explained, "As of the 21st, the cumulative number of deaths per one million people in our country is 143," adding, "The United States, France, and the United Kingdom have over 2,000, and Germany and Israel are in the 1,000 range respectively, so our country is at one-twentieth or one-tenth of their levels."

However, Prime Minister Kim expressed concern, saying, "As confirmed cases increase, the fatigue of frontline public health centers is accumulating, and many citizens undergoing home treatment are complaining of frustration," and added, "At the Yongin Public Health Center in Gyeonggi Province, a nursing officer collapsed due to overwork." He then said, "Starting tomorrow, 3,000 personnel will be dispatched from all central government departments including the Prime Minister's Office to assist frontline public health centers, and 1,000 personnel will be supported from the military," and added, "I hope this will be of help."

Prime Minister Kim also encouraged the public, saying, "As the peak of the (spread) approaches, the end is probably not far away," and urged, "Let's endure just a little longer together. There will definitely be good results."

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