On the morning of the 17th, when the new coronavirus infection (Corona 19) is expected to reach 600,000 people, a banner is installed to guide access control to the Corona 19 Screening Center at the Songpa-gu Public Health Center in Songpa-gu, Seoul. [사진=연합뉴스]
Regarding the number of new confirmed cases of the new coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in Korea on the 17th, the government evaluated that it was a result of the discovery of hidden COVID-19 cases and the missing figures, and predicted that the peak of the epidemic would be formed this week. said. The social distancing adjustment plan to be applied from the 21st will be announced on the 18th.
Son Yeong-rae, head of the social strategy division of the Central Accident Remediation Headquarters of the Ministry of Health and Welfare (Ministry of Health and Welfare), said at a back briefing on the morning of the same day, “The confirmed cases were revealed while the rapid antigen test (RAT) was confirmed as confirmed, and yesterday (16th), including the figures that were not reflected, today (17th) The number of confirmed cases seems to have increased.”
According to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC), there were 621,328 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of 00:00 on the same day, an increase of 220,000 more than the previous record high of 407,741 as of 00:00 on the 16th. The number of new confirmed cases included those who were missing from the previous day, estimated to be between 30,000 and 40,000.
From the 14th, the government recognized the positive RAT test for experts as confirmed and decided to include it in the statistics.
Director Sohn said, “There may have been some people who might not be tested because the gene amplification (PCR) test reached the limit of 1,110,000 on the 15th and 710,000 on the 16th. It would have had the effect of finding hidden confirmed cases,” he explained.
The government is also predicting that this week will be the peak of the Omicron outbreak. When the epidemic reaches its peak, the government expects that the scale of the spread will decrease therefollowing.
“We expect the number of confirmed cases to peak during this week,” Sohn said.
He continued, “The goal of the quarantine system is to change the goal of the quarantine system to minimize the severity and death rather than minimize the number of confirmed cases, and it is the process of loosening various regulatory frameworks and absorbing it into the normal system. “He said.
The government plans to announce a plan to adjust social distancing in consideration of the current epidemic on the 18th.
The current social distancing measures, such as a 6-person private gathering and the 11pm limit on the use of multi-use facilities, will end on the 20th.
Director Sohn added, “(Social distancing) is at the stage of discussion while collecting opinions, and the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (major script) will make a decision on the morning of tomorrow (18th) and announce it at a briefing.”
- reporter information
- Jeon Jeon-wook
- sotong@ajunews.com
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