Prime Minister Kim: "Discussion on Adjusting 'Level 1' COVID-19 Infectious Disease Classification... Omicron Will Soon Pass Its Peak" (Update)

COVID-19 Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters Meeting

Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum (center) is speaking at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters meeting for COVID-19 response held at the Government Complex Sejong in Sejong City on the morning of the 16th. March 16, 2022. Photo by Yonhap News.

[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Son Seon-hee] Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum said on the 16th, "I ask the quarantine authorities to discuss with the medical community the plan to adjust the infectious disease level, currently designated as 'Level 1,' to suit the changed situation so that COVID-19 response is possible within the routine medical system."

On the morning of the same day, Prime Minister Kim presided over the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters meeting for COVID-19 at the Government Complex Sejong and said, "This request has already been proposed by several places including the Gyeonggi-do Medical Association, and our government also judges that it is time to have a serious discussion with experts on this issue," urging accordingly.

Prime Minister Kim said, "About 75% of patients currently using dedicated COVID-19 beds are mild or asymptomatic cases in terms of COVID-19 alone, but they urgently need treatment for underlying diseases," adding, "Many experts believe it is more appropriate for these patients to receive treatment in general wards where infection control is possible."

He continued, "Already, about ten national university hospitals and several large hospitals are treating confirmed patients admitted without hospital-acquired infections in general wards according to revised guidelines," and emphasized, "Now, the general medical system should also contribute to COVID-19 treatment. I earnestly request the medical community to break away from existing fixed ideas and join the change."

As of the previous day, the daily number of new confirmed cases rose to the 400,000 range, expected to break the record again. Regarding this, Prime Minister Kim said, "The Omicron spread appears to have reached its peak, with more than 30% of cumulative confirmed cases infected within the past week," and added, "Experts predict that the peak will soon pass." He further stated, "If we properly implement what has been prepared in quarantine, medical sites, schools, workplaces, and homes, we will soon be able to welcome a time of recovery."

While repeatedly emphasizing that there is no need to have vague fear about the recent rapid spread, Prime Minister Kim again stressed adherence to basic quarantine rules. He said, "Even if the peak of the outbreak passes, COVID-19 will not immediately disappear," adding, "We will inevitably have to coexist with it for some time after the peak." He continued, "This is why continuous vaccination remains important," and urged, "High-risk groups and the unvaccinated should actively get vaccinated."

With the current social distancing measures set to end around the upcoming weekend, Prime Minister Kim stated, "We will accurately analyze the current quarantine situation, listen to opinions from various sectors, and make a decision to be announced by the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters on Friday."

However, Prime Minister Kim is scheduled to visit Turkey and Qatar from the 17th to the 21st, and is expected to be absent from the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters meeting scheduled for the 18th.

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