SEOUL – South Korea is bracing for a potential peak in COVID-19 cases towards the end of August, following the nation’s busy summer vacation season. Health authorities, foreseeing a rise in infections, have pledged to intensify their response efforts to manage the ongoing wave.
Recent data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) indicates a significant uptick in COVID-19 cases. Over the past month, virus-related hospitalizations have surged sixfold across 220 major medical institutions, with the number of patients climbing to 861 in the first week of August, according to Yonhap News Agency.
KDCA official Hong Jeong-il emphasized that the increase in social interactions after the summer holidays could contribute to a spike in cases. “The trend is likely to peak around late August as more people come into contact with each other after the vacation period,” Hong stated. He also noted that limited ventilation, exacerbated by the widespread use of air conditioning, contributes to the summer surge.
In response to the rising numbers, the KDCA has expanded its virus response team to improve monitoring and management both domestically and internationally. This enhanced team, now led by KDCA chief Jee Young-mee, will focus on infection analysis, treatment management, and ensuring the availability of medical supplies.
To further bolster their efforts, the government has established a consultative body comprising experts who will meet regularly to discuss the evolving situation and recommend antiviral measures. Their first meeting is set for Wednesday.
Despite earlier shortages, the country has secured an adequate supply of COVID-19 test kits and is planning to purchase additional treatments to meet increasing demand. The government is also set to resume its vaccination campaign in October, with plans to offer free vaccines to high-risk groups.
The current wave of infections is primarily driven by the KP.3 variant, an Omicron subvariant that accounted for 45.5 percent of cases in South Korea last month. This variant is also fueling a rise in cases globally. While the severity and fatality rates associated with KP.3 remain low, with over 90 percent of patients experiencing mild symptoms, the KDCA urges continued vigilance, especially among senior citizens and other high-risk populations.
In May, South Korea downgraded the infection status of COVID-19 and lifted most of the remaining restrictions in a bid to return to pre-pandemic normalcy. However, the authorities are now emphasizing the importance of maintaining preventive measures to protect vulnerable groups.
The exact number of infections is currently unknown, as national data collection has shifted following the downgrade, focusing more on severe cases and hospitalizations. Nevertheless, the government remains committed to managing the pandemic and preventing a significant resurgence in the coming weeks.
