KMA: "Premature Easing of Quarantine Must Stop... Should Be Implemented After Peak"

Recommendations for Establishing Protective Measures for Medical Institutions and Securing Paxlovid

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] As the spread of the Omicron variant shows no signs of slowing down, the Korean Medical Association has advised the government to halt the easing of quarantine measures.

On the 8th, the KMA COVID-19 Countermeasures Committee stated, "The government is hastily easing quarantine policies while the number of cases has not yet peaked," adding, "Although the Omicron variant has a lower severity rate, the surge in infections is causing an increase in deaths, making it difficult for medical institutions to operate stably."

The KMA suggested, "The timing for easing quarantine measures should be after observing the trend of case numbers and once the peak has passed. Facilities where group infections are a concern and vulnerable groups reside?such as nursing hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, nursing homes, places with high risk of droplet spread, densely populated areas, and enclosed workplaces?should maintain levels 3 to 4, while easing may be allowed for daily activities, meetings, and restaurants, with differentiated application depending on compliance with quarantine guidelines."

Furthermore, the KMA demanded the establishment of measures to protect medical institutions and the procurement of more oral antiviral treatment Paxlovid. The association emphasized, "Premature easing of quarantine measures before the peak of infections can mislead the public with incorrect information and perceptions, potentially worsening the pandemic to an uncontrollable level," and urged, "The government should carefully consider the medical community's recommendations and reconsider the guidelines for easing quarantine."

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