Jungdaebon "Cumulative Confirmed Cases 22 Million... Striving to Handle 300,000 Cases" (Update)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-won] As the number of new confirmed cases reached the 130,000 range, the government announced that it will establish a quarantine system capable of responding to up to 300,000 confirmed cases.

Lee Ki-il, the 1st General Coordinator of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (Vice Minister of Health and Welfare), stated in his opening remarks at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting on the 19th, "The government will strive even harder to create a medical and quarantine system capable of responding to 300,000 confirmed cases," adding, "We will do our best to minimize deaths and severe cases with a preparedness mindset, without being swayed by changing epidemic patterns."

According to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, the number of new confirmed cases on this day exceeded 130,000, pushing the cumulative confirmed cases beyond 22 million. This means that 42.6% of the entire population has been infected with COVID-19 at least once. The number of deaths was 83, an increase of 22 from the previous day. The number of critically ill patients hospitalized was 492, approaching the 500 mark again.

Lee, the General Coordinator, presented three strategies to prepare for the resurgence. The first is rapid diagnosis and treatment. He emphasized that as of this day, 10,200 one-stop clinics capable of both diagnosis and treatment have been established. He added, "We will also expand the introduction and prescription of oral antiviral drugs," noting, "Currently, we have 630,000 doses of oral antiviral drugs available, and they can be obtained at 2,148 designated pharmacies."

The second strategy is "targeted quarantine," focusing quarantine efforts on groups and facilities where many infections occur. Lee explained, "We will operate 172 medical consultation centers thoroughly to ensure that elderly people do not face difficulties in receiving treatment," and "For elderly living alone who have difficulty self-care, dedicated teams will be formed within public health centers to provide intensive protection from the early stages of home treatment."

Lee also added that to prevent cluster infections, mobile task forces for nursing facilities will be operated, and thorough PCR testing for facility workers will be conducted. For pediatric, maternity, and dialysis patients, 3,575 special beds are being operated, and emergency medical systems for them will also be strengthened.

Lastly, Lee stated, "Currently, our quarantine and medical capabilities are sufficient to maintain daily life while responding to a resurgence," adding, "We are operating a total of 7,245 designated COVID-19 hospital beds, which alone can accommodate 216,000 patients." He conveyed, "Based on these resources and capabilities, we will maintain free economic activities and daily life without nationwide social distancing measures that have caused significant economic difficulties and fatigue."

Meanwhile, the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting on this day discussed quarantine management measures for the police officer recruitment exam. Lee urged all ministries to pay special attention to quarantine in places such as performance halls, military facilities, and daycare centers.

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