Jeong Gi-seok "Indoor Mask Removal, Severe Cases More Critical Variable Than China's Situation"

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[Asia Economy Reporter Byeon Seon-jin] Jeong Gi-seok, head of the COVID-19 Special Response Team and member of the National Infectious Disease Crisis Response Advisory Committee, stated on the 9th that although the COVID-19 outbreak in China remains ongoing, the likelihood of a new COVID-19 variant emerging is low, and he predicted that new confirmed cases will decrease in the future. He also noted that China's COVID-19 situation is unlikely to have a significant impact domestically, and if the number of critically ill patients decreases this week, discussions on adjusting the indoor mask mandate could take place.

During the briefing, Jeong said, "Fortunately, this winter's outbreak has increased gradually without a large surge in confirmed cases, allowing the healthcare system to respond without significant burden. Considering reports and studies from overseas comprehensively, the possibility of a completely new variant emerging does not seem high. If the current quarantine and medical response policies are well maintained, we cautiously predict that new cases will gradually decrease."

Jeong analyzed, "The cumulative positive rate among short-term foreign visitors entering from China over the past week has exceeded 20% (365 positive cases out of 1,823), suggesting that a significant portion of the Chinese population is infected. It appears that the outbreak that began in December last year in China is passing its peak." He added, "The quarantine authorities are minimizing infections among arrivals from China through preemptive measures in preparation for the significant easing of China's quarantine policies implemented on the 8th. These measures are expected to be maintained temporarily until the outbreak in China subsides."

As the current COVID-19 situation shows a declining trend, two of the four indicators set by the government for lifting indoor mask mandates have been met. The government believes that once two indicators are satisfied, discussions at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters can proceed regarding the removal of indoor mask requirements. However, the quarantine authorities consider the COVID-19 situation in China as a potential variable.

Regarding this, Jeong stated, "Unless there is a major spread caused by this, it will not significantly affect the four indicators we have planned. However, the critically ill cases are a concern. Half of the critically ill patients die, and this issue remains unresolved." He further said, "If we see the numbers stabilize and begin to decline this week, discussions on adjusting the indoor mask mandate could start next week."

Jeong urged high-risk groups who need to acquire immunity to receive the updated vaccine. He said, "Since 95% of the variants circulating in China belong to the BA.5 lineage, the BA.4/5-based updated vaccine can adequately respond. Although variants such as BN.7 or XBB.1.5 have increased immune evasion, research shows that the updated vaccines remain effective."

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