Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters to Announce 'CSAT COVID-19 Prevention Measures' Next Week... New Cases Around 23,000

The Number of Critically Ill Patients Remains in the 200s for Three Consecutive Days
Encouragement to Actively Participate in Bivalent Vaccine Vaccination

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The government announced that it has established and is implementing COVID-19 prevention measures in preparation for the '2023 College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT)' scheduled for the 17th of next month.

On the 14th, Kim Seong-ho, the 2nd Chief Coordinator of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) and Director of the Disaster and Safety Management Headquarters at the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, stated in his opening remarks at the CDSCH meeting, "The 2023 CSAT, with approximately 508,000 test takers, is just one month away," adding, "The government has established the '2023 CSAT COVID-19 Prevention Measures' to ensure that examinees can take the test with peace of mind, and we will provide detailed explanations next week."

According to the CDSCH, the number of new confirmed cases slightly increased to around 23,000 compared to last week. The number of severe COVID-19 patients in care has remained in the 200s for three consecutive days, and the death toll was recorded at 35. The utilization rates of intensive care unit beds and overall hospital beds have stayed in the 10% range for the ninth consecutive day.

Kim, the 2nd Chief Coordinator, said, "Although quarantine guidelines have been relaxed, such as the suspension of PCR tests for overseas arrivals since October and allowing in-person visits at nursing hospitals and facilities, the downward trend of the outbreak continues," adding, "The early stabilization of the quarantine situation is thanks to the active participation of the public and the dedication of medical staff and public officials who have worked tirelessly on the front lines of quarantine and healthcare."

He also urged active participation in the bivalent vaccine inoculation. Kim stated, "From this week, bivalent vaccine and flu vaccinations have started," and requested, "Since vaccinations are available not only by appointment but also on the day of vaccination, please actively participate in getting vaccinated."

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