"Coughing Continues..." Citizens Debate Over Consideration to Shorten Quarantine Period

Government Considers Shortening COVID-19 Positive Cases' Isolation to 7 Days

Around 9 a.m. on the 6th, people are busy crossing the crosswalk at the intersection in front of Gwanghwamun Station in Seoul. Photo by Kim Jeongwan, intern reporter kjw106@asiae.co.kr

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Jeong-wan] "Isn't it still a bit premature?", "I still have a fever and frequent coughing."

As the government is considering shortening the isolation period for COVID-19 confirmed cases from the current 7 days to 5 days, some citizens are expressing concerns. There is anxiety that even after isolation ends, persistent fever and frequent coughing could potentially spread COVID-19 to acquaintances or coworkers.

According to the quarantine authorities on the 7th, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency and others are reviewing plans to reduce the isolation period for confirmed cases from the current 7 days to within 5 days and to adjust the COVID-19 infectious disease classification from level 1 to level 2.

Lee Sang-won, head of the Epidemiological Investigation and Analysis Division at the Central Disease Control Headquarters, hinted at the possibility of adjusting the isolation period during a briefing on the 6th, saying, "This is under review, and once the post-Omicron response system is established, we will explain again."

He explained, "Most countries that have shortened the isolation period for confirmed cases focus more on preventing social function paralysis rather than the virus's survival ability," adding, "We are reviewing this considering such points, and there are both pros and cons."

Under current quarantine rules, all COVID-19 confirmed cases in Korea must self-isolate for 7 days from the test date regardless of vaccination status. Meanwhile, some countries like the United States and the United Kingdom have adjusted the self-isolation period to 5 days while monitoring the spread of COVID-19.

Around 9 a.m. on the 6th, citizens encountered at the intersection in front of Gwanghwamun Station on their way to work showed mixed opinions about the shortening of the quarantine period. Photo by Kim Jeongwan, intern reporter kjw106@asiae.co.kr

Citizens show mixed reactions to the overall easing of quarantine measures, including the reduction of the isolation period. There are frequent cases of symptoms persisting even after 7 days of home treatment or isolation, and some argue that shortening the isolation period would be burdensome for work and daily life.

Yang (25), whom we met on the way to work near Gwanghwamun, Seoul, emphasized, "I don't think shortening the isolation period is appropriate yet. It should be at least a week." Yang said, "I had COVID-19 and still have some aftereffects. Many people at my company caught it too, and they still have coughs and symptoms. From my experience of isolating for a week, if the isolation period is shortened, wouldn't infected people have to return to work sooner? This would increase the burden on those still showing symptoms."

Kim (31), who revealed that a family member was confirmed positive, also expressed the opinion that "shortening is still premature." Kim said, "My mother was confirmed positive and isolated for a week, but after the isolation period ended, her test kit still showed positive. This means she wasn't fully recovered in a week. If the isolation period is further shortened in such a situation, wouldn't it just be a nominal isolation period without real effectiveness?"

The government has announced that it is considering shortening the home treatment and isolation period for COVID-19 confirmed cases, sparking various opinions among citizens.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters, as of midnight on the 6th, the cumulative number of COVID-19 confirmed cases reached 14,533,644, and nearly 20% of COVID-19 patients experience one or more aftereffects.

Based on data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (January to September 2020), a domestic study announced on February 28 revealed that among 21,615 COVID-19 patients, 4,139 (19.1%) experienced one or more aftereffects.

The most commonly reported symptoms among those experiencing aftereffects include fatigue, shortness of breath, cognitive impairment, depression, or anxiety. In the case of Omicron, dry cough and loss of taste were also symptoms.

Additionally, voices have been raised about the burden on companies due to manpower loss during the isolation period, leading to overtime work among remaining staff.

Office worker Jang (34) said, "I think shortening the period to recover daily life even a little is good," adding, "Our company is not large, so if multiple confirmed cases occur, essential personnel become insufficient, and the remaining staff have to work overtime." He continued, "It seems burdensome for the remaining staff, and the atmosphere is quite tense. Overall, I think it's time to shorten the period and let COVID-19 blend into daily life."

Another office worker Lee (46) said, "At this point, isolation doesn't seem very meaningful," adding, "There are many 'shy COVID' cases now, and I feel like we face COVID every day in daily life. Only those who get tested are isolated, but aren't untested COVID patients roaming around?"

Meanwhile, the government is likely to lift social distancing measures centered on 'gatherings of 10 people and midnight business hours' starting from the 18th, and is expected to announce new quarantine standards including the shortening of the isolation period accordingly.

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