Prime Minister Kim: "Omicron Past Peak and Declining... Criticism of K-Quarantine Excessive"

COVID-19 Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters Meeting... "Additional 276,000 Doses of Pfizer Oral Treatment to Be Introduced Next Month"

Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum is presiding over the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters meeting on COVID-19 response held at the Government Seoul Office Building on the 30th. March 30, 2022. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Son Seon-hee] Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum recently assessed the current COVID-19 surge on the 30th, stating that "Omicron has passed its peak and is entering a decline." Regarding the fact that the number of confirmed cases still fluctuates around 300,000, he apologized, saying "I am sorry," but strongly rebuffed criticism of Korea's K-quarantine measures as "excessive disparagement."

On the morning of the same day, Prime Minister Kim chaired the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters meeting at the Government Seoul Office, saying, "We are still at war (with COVID-19)," and added, "It is time for all citizens to unite by pooling their strength and energy."

Prime Minister Kim said, "As the government responsible for quarantine, we will fully endure criticism about the high number of critically ill patients," but added, "However, when comparing the number of deaths with countries of similar scale, the credit for protecting the precious lives of our people comes from the tearful cooperation and dedication of our citizens, which is a community spirit to be proud of anywhere." He further appealed, "Criticism of the current government's quarantine policy itself has gone too far, and the achievements of quarantine made possible by this tearful solidarity and cooperation of the people should not be disparaged."

Prime Minister Kim also said, "In the midst of this war, we have various complicated procedures to hand over duties to the next government," and urged, "During this process, I hope there will be no disparagement of the achievements our government has built up so far, and that we ourselves do not discourage the people."

Regarding the basis for judging that the Omicron surge has passed its peak, Prime Minister Kim explained, "The number of confirmed cases, which had been continuously rising sharply since January (based on weekly averages), declined last week for the first time in 11 weeks," and added, "The infection reproduction number, which indicates whether patient numbers are increasing, dropped from 1.3 in mid-March to 1.01 last week."

However, he said, "Despite the decrease in confirmed cases, the number of critically ill patients is increasing," and warned, "It is not yet time to lower our guard." The government is preparing to announce a new social distancing adjustment plan to be applied from next week, starting April 1.

Prime Minister Kim stated, "We will greatly expand outpatient treatment centers so that home treatment patients can easily receive face-to-face care at nearby local clinics and hospitals," and added, "Currently, 279 outpatient treatment centers provide care for home treatment patients, but going forward, all clinics and hospitals wishing to participate will be able to join home treatment outpatient care."

He also said, "We will actively support timely prescriptions of oral antiviral treatments," and announced, "We have confirmed additional procurement of 276,000 doses of Pfizer's oral antiviral treatment to be delivered next month."

Regarding the basic vaccination for children aged 5 to 11 starting on the 31st, he requested, "Although vaccination is voluntary, children in high-risk groups with underlying conditions should actively receive the vaccine as it is effective in preventing severe illness."

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