Prime Minister Kim: "Omicron Decline Confirmed... Timely Decision on Infectious Disease Classification Adjustment"

COVID-19 Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters Meeting

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Son Seon-hee] Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum stated on the 8th, "The decline of Omicron has become certain since April," and added, "We will reach a conclusion on the adjustment of the infectious disease classification without delay, based on broad public consultation."

On the morning of the same day, Prime Minister Kim presided over the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters meeting at the Government Seoul Office and said, "Even before a comprehensive reform is implemented, we will prioritize adjusting and supplementing the parts that can be executed."

The government is considering lowering the COVID-19 infectious disease classification from the highest level, the existing 'Level 1,' to 'Level 2.' If the infectious disease classification is downgraded, the isolation period for confirmed cases may be shortened or the isolation obligation may be lifted entirely. This change indicates that the quarantine system for COVID-19, which has been managed under an 'emergency system,' is moving closer to normalcy, signaling a transition to what is called an 'endemic.'

Prime Minister Kim explained again, "Now that Omicron has passed its peak, we will check whether the medical resources secured so far are being used appropriately," and added, "We must increase the sustainability of the quarantine and medical systems while reducing the social burden." He also stated, "Moderate-severity beds and residential treatment centers, whose utilization rates have dropped to 20% to 30%, will be reduced according to regional circumstances," and "Rapid antigen tests conducted at public health center screening clinics will be suspended starting next week."

However, he emphasized, "It is not yet a level to be complacent about," noting, "The proportion of cases among the high-risk group, those aged 60 and over, continues to rise, and the number of severe and critical patients remains above 1,000 per day," urging vigilance. Prime Minister Kim said, "We must focus more on managing nursing hospitals and nursing facilities, where about 30% of total deaths occur," and requested the quarantine authorities to "thoroughly manage infection control within facilities and ensure prompt administration of oral antiviral treatments, while strengthening the mobile task force activities in nursing facilities to effectively manage underlying diseases." He also encouraged the elderly to receive the fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

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