New COVID-19 Cases Rise for 4th Week... Government "Weekly Vaccination Rate Checks at Nursing Hospitals and Facilities... Strengthening Quarantine at Summer Resorts"

New COVID-19 Cases Reach Approximately 68,000, a 9.5-Fold Increase Compared to 4 Weeks Ago
Psychological Counseling Services Provided at 260 Mental Health Welfare Centers Nationwide and 5 National/Regional Trauma Centers
“Congestion Traffic Light” Service Offered at 50 Large Beaches

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] As the number of new COVID-19 cases has been increasing for four consecutive weeks, the government is proactively preparing for the resurgence by providing reservation support and mobility convenience through eup, myeon, and dong community centers for the elderly aged 60 and over. Additionally, the government will check vaccination rates weekly at nursing hospitals and care facilities, where there are many high-risk groups.

Furthermore, the government will offer a "congestion traffic light" service at 50 large beaches popular during the summer vacation season and promote less crowded beaches to disperse visitors.

On the 22nd, Lee Sang-min, the 2nd Deputy Head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) and Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, announced this during the CDSCH meeting opening remarks. The number of new COVID-19 cases has been rising for four consecutive weeks. On this day, the number of new cases was about 68,000, a 9.5-fold increase from 7,218 cases four weeks ago. The number of critically ill patients in care also reached triple digits for the first time in about 40 days, with 107 patients on the 21st and over 100 patients for two consecutive days.

Deputy Head Lee said, "In response to the recent resurgence trend, the government will proactively prepare for the resurgence by securing additional hospital beds and treatments, expanding diagnostic testing capacity, strengthening the supply management of cold medicines, and reorganizing cremation facilities." He added, "The government will focus its quarantine capabilities on the 4th vaccination, which can reduce the risk of severe illness and death."

The government will check vaccination rates weekly at nursing hospitals and care facilities with many high-risk groups. For those in their 50s who are eligible for vaccination, local governments will actively guide vaccinations mainly in major activity areas such as industrial complexes and commercial districts. For those aged 18 and over with underlying conditions, medical institutions will provide guidance and vaccinations for the 4th dose.

Deputy Head Lee said, "For the elderly aged 60 and over, whose vaccination rates have recently stagnated, we will provide reservation support and mobility convenience through eup, myeon, and dong community centers." He added, "For facilities for the disabled and homeless, health centers will form visiting vaccination teams to administer vaccinations on-site."

In addition, to support the psychological stability and daily recovery of those who have experienced adverse reactions to vaccinations and bereaved families of the deceased, mental health information and psychological counseling services will be provided at 260 mental health welfare centers nationwide and 5 national and regional trauma centers. Deputy Head Lee explained, "We will introduce a personal information consent procedure when applying for damage compensation and guide psychological support services through text messages."

With the summer vacation season approaching, quarantine management at beaches crowded with vacationers will also be strengthened. The government plans to actively disperse visitors by providing a "congestion traffic light" service at 50 large beaches with many visitors and promoting less crowded beaches. Joint inspections by related agencies will focus on compliance with quarantine rules at passenger ships, terminals, and fishing village experience resorts.

Deputy Head Lee urged, "Please use places with low congestion and strictly follow quarantine rules such as wearing masks and maintaining outdoor distancing." He emphasized, "To wisely overcome the wave of this resurgence, the cooperation of the public with government quarantine policies is essential."

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