Health Authorities: "New COVID-19 Cases Turning Downward... Expected to Drop Below 300,000 Within 2 Weeks"
Confirmed cases under 200,000 within 4 weeks
Severe cases declining in April... Forecasted maximum 1,300~1,680 patients
[Asia Economy Reporter Ki Ha-young] As the domestic Omicron wave shifts to a declining trend, quarantine authorities forecast that the number of new confirmed cases will decrease to below 300,000 within the next two weeks and below 200,000 within four weeks.
On the 28th, the Central Disease Control Headquarters announced this based on the results of a comprehensive analysis of patient occurrence predictions conducted by domestic and international researchers up to the 23rd.
Among 11 research teams, 9 predicted that new confirmed cases will drop below 300,000 by April 6, and among 7 teams, 4 forecast a decrease to below 200,000 around April 20. The number of critically ill patients is expected to increase up to a maximum of 1,300 to 1,680 before shifting to a declining trend next month.
The COVID-19 risk level for the fourth week of March (March 20?26) was assessed as 'very high' nationwide for the fourth consecutive week. The risk levels in both the metropolitan area and non-metropolitan areas also remained at the 'very high' stage for the fourth week.
As of midnight on the 26th, the detection rate of the Omicron variant in both domestic and imported infection cases was 100%. Among Omicron variants, the subvariant 'BA.2', known as 'stealth Omicron,' accounted for 56.3% of domestic infection cases, becoming the dominant strain. It accounted for 71.1% of imported cases.
The authorities forecast that the proportion of confirmed cases aged 60 and over will increase again, and with ongoing cluster infections in nursing hospitals and care facilities, the number of deaths may rise for the time being.
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The Central Disease Control Headquarters added, "Due to the dominance of BA.2, expanded in-person classes, increased private gatherings, and stagnation in vaccination participation rates, the epidemic will continue with a gradual decline even after the peak. As the epidemic prolongs, the number of critically ill patients and deaths will increase for a certain period."
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