Suwon Mayor Lee Jae-jun: "We Must Strengthen Personnel and Systems to Respond to COVID-19 Resurgence"

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Lee Jae-jun, mayor of Suwon City, stated, "The feared COVID-19 resurgence scenario has become a reality faster than expected," and instructed, "Thoroughly prepare to reactivate the COVID-19 field response system and reinforce response personnel."

At the 'COVID-19 Infectious Disease Response Progress Review Meeting' held on the 19th at the Suwon City Hall Disaster Safety Situation Room, Mayor Lee said, "We must proactively establish countermeasures against the COVID-19 resurgence," and urged, "Many citizens are hesitant about the 4th vaccine dose, so actively promote the necessity of the 4th vaccination."

Previously, the quarantine authorities began administering the 4th vaccine dose from the 18th to people in their 50s (born 1963?1972) and those aged 18 and over with underlying health conditions.

The vaccination target includes those who have passed 4 months (120 days) since their 3rd dose, but individuals with personal reasons such as overseas travel, hospitalization, or treatment can receive the dose after 3 months (90 days). The prevention effect of severe illness in the '4th dose group' is 50.6% compared to the 3rd dose, and the prevention effect of death is 53.3%, indicating a high effect in reducing the risk of severe illness and death.

Mayor Lee said, "Considering that a significant number of COVID-19 deaths occurred in elderly facilities such as nursing hospitals and nursing homes, expanding severe patient beds and isolation facilities is also a task," and requested, "Please prepare without any setbacks, including operating screening clinics in line with the increasing demand for testing."

He also emphasized, "The currently circulating Omicron variant has a low severity rate but spreads rapidly," and stressed, "We must focus on promoting the 4th vaccine dose to groups with a high severity rate."

As of this day, the nationwide new COVID-19 cases reached 73,582, marking the highest in 83 days, and Suwon City reported 1,390 confirmed cases.

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