"Infection Reproduction Number Exceeds 1 After 9 Weeks"…Simultaneous Outbreak of COVID-19 and Flu Possible (Update)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Byeon Seon-jin] As the COVID-19 infection reproduction number exceeded 1 for the first time in 9 weeks and the number of suspected influenza patients surpassed the epidemic threshold, concerns about the so-called 'twindemic'?the simultaneous outbreak of COVID-19 and influenza this winter?are becoming a reality.

Lee Gi-il, the 1st General Coordinator of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) and Vice Minister of Health and Welfare, stated at the CDSCH meeting held at the Government Seoul Office on the 21st, “Today, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases is in the 24,000 range. It has remained at around 20,000 for five consecutive weeks,” adding, “The infection reproduction number, which indicates the extent of the outbreak, is 1.09, exceeding 1 for the first time in 9 weeks.” The infection reproduction number quantifies how many people one patient infects around them. A value above 1 means the epidemic is spreading, while below 1 means it is being suppressed.

Lee said, "There is a possibility of simultaneous outbreaks of COVID-19 and influenza during winter," urging vaccination for children and the elderly, who are at higher risk of severe illness from influenza infection. The number of seasonal influenza patients in the second week of October was 6.2 per 1,000 outpatients, surpassing the 2021?2022 influenza epidemic threshold of 4.9. Especially among children aged 1 to 6, the rate was 7.2 per 1,000, higher than the overall rate.

Lee added, "The government will thoroughly prepare for the winter resurgence and protect vulnerable groups such as the elderly and children without any gaps," emphasizing, "We will also ensure no negligence in quarantine management at facilities where there is concern about group infections or where many people gather." Furthermore, he said, "To prepare for the simultaneous winter outbreaks of COVID-19 and seasonal influenza, we will actively promote the bivalent vaccine and continue the influenza vaccination program that started in September."

He also announced plans to prepare for the military winter resurgence. Lee stated, "We will prevent infections within the military in advance through pre-enlistment and pre-leave return proactive testing," adding, "We will continue the PCR tests before enlistment, which resumed on August 16, and self-testing for soldiers returning from leave." He continued, "We have secured 88 military hospital beds and living quarters capable of isolating 15,000 confirmed cases, and will provide 24-hour medical services at military screening clinics and emergency rooms to protect the health of military personnel."

Regarding quarantine management at tourist sites, he said, "We will intensively operate about 2,500 quarantine management personnel across 17 cities and provinces during the peak autumn foliage and festival season." Lee also stated, "We will deploy 156 quarantine support staff at eight airports, including Incheon Airport, to prepare for the surge in international passenger demand," and added, "We will distribute one million quarantine supplies for visitors at amusement facilities and strengthen education and guidance on compliance with quarantine rules."

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