COVID-19 Cases Decline but Elderly Infection Rate Rises... 'No Room for Complacency'

Average Daily COVID-19 Cases One-Fifth Compared to Third Week of March
Proportion of New Cases Aged 60+ Rises from 18% to 22%
"Mask Removal Decision Under Review Considering Severe Cases and Other Factors"

On the 22nd, ahead of the weekend, the domestic terminal in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, is bustling with travelers. Domestic and international tourism demand is increasing due to the full lifting of social distancing measures and the return to normal life. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-won] Although the COVID-19 outbreak has continued to subside for a week since the social distancing measures were lifted, concerns remain as the proportion of elderly patients among confirmed cases is increasing. There is also a growing call that even if masks are removed outdoors, prevention efforts should not be relaxed.

The number of new COVID-19 cases recorded at midnight on the 25th was 34,370, marking the lowest level in 80 days. Since the lifting of social distancing on the 18th, the number of confirmed cases has steadily decreased. The average daily number of COVID-19 cases in the third week of this month was 84,205, which is one-fifth of the 402,407 cases recorded at the peak of the Omicron wave in the third week of March.

However, the proportion of elderly patients is increasing. The percentage of confirmed cases aged 60 and over rose from an average of 18% in the third week of March to 22% in the third week of April. On the 23rd, 25% of all confirmed cases were elderly individuals aged 60 or older. Consequently, the reduction in severe and fatal cases has not been as significant. This is because 93.9% of COVID-19 deaths and 87.5% of severe cases are among those aged 60 and above. While the scale of new COVID-19 cases has dropped to about 20% of the peak, deaths and severe cases are occurring at approximately 50% and 70% of the peak levels, respectively.

The decision on whether to lift the outdoor mask mandate is expected to be made based on this week’s outbreak situation, which will fully reflect the impact of social distancing measures. Kim Yumi, head of the Daily Prevention Management Team at the Central Disease Control Headquarters, stated, "The lifting of the outdoor mask mandate will be comprehensively evaluated considering the outbreak situation, risk level, and expert opinions," adding, "Trends in severe cases and future risks will also be partially taken into account."

Experts agree that easing prevention measures, including outdoor mask-wearing, is appropriate but emphasize the need for detailed guidelines. Baek Soon-young, emeritus professor at the Catholic University College of Medicine, said, "The infection reproduction number has significantly decreased, and the numbers of severe and fatal cases have stabilized, so easing measures at this point is appropriate," but added, "Since prevention efforts could become lax with the lifting of the outdoor mask mandate, the government should also send the supplementary message that 'the outbreak crisis has not been completely overcome.'"

Professor Chun Eun-mi of the Department of Respiratory Medicine at Ewha Mokdong Hospital pointed out, "The outdoor mask mandate can be lifted on the premise that confirmed cases do not increase," but stressed, "Clear guidelines are needed on when and how to remove masks even if they are taken off." Professor Chun predicted, "If clear guidelines are issued, such as removing masks during outdoor exercise but wearing them on public transportation or during conversations, eventually masks could also be removed in large, well-ventilated indoor spaces."

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