S.Korea’s daily COVID-19 cases surge as new testing scheme begins

A person carrying a masks to forestall contracting the coronavirus illness (COVID-19) rests at an empty park in Seoul, South Korea, January 25, 2022. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji

SEOUL, Jan 26 (Reuters) – South Korea’s day by day new coronavirus instances exceeded 13,000 for the primary time on Wednesday, pushed by the unfold of the Omicron variant, as the federal government launched a brand new pilot testing scheme to satisfy skyrocketing demand.

The file 13,012 instances for the earlier 24-hour interval got here only a day after the tally first topped 8,000 regardless of the extension of robust social distancing guidelines. read more

The extremely contagious however less-lethal Omicron turned the dominant variant in South Korea final week, and the day by day numbers might greater than double or surge to even larger ranges within the coming weeks, well being officers warned.

“Going ahead, our high precedence is to cut back critically sick sufferers and deaths,” Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum advised an inter-ministry assembly on Wednesday.

The federal government launched a brand new testing coverage in 4 designated cities on a pilot foundation, underneath which solely precedence teams take a polymerase chain response (PCR) take a look at whereas others can get a fast antigen take a look at at an area clinic for quicker preliminary analysis.

The programme can be scaled up beginning Saturday to allow 256 state-run testing stations nationwide to distribute the fast antigen self-test kits, Kim stated. One other 430 native clinics can be added subsequent week.

As a part of efforts to release assets for severe sufferers, the federal government has additionally minimize obligatory isolation for individuals who have been vaccinated however examined optimistic to seven days from 10, and expanded self-treatment at dwelling for asymptomatic and gentle instances.

Son Younger-rae, a well being ministry official, stated greater than 80% of intensive care unit beds can be found nationwide, in contrast with some 20% in early December when record-breaking infections threatened to saturate the nation’s medical system.

South Korea is presently finishing up 400,000-500,000 PCR exams a day, however has capability for 800,000, Son added.

The Omicron surge has fuelled worries a couple of new wave of infections forward of the Lunar New 12 months vacation which begins on Saturday, when tens of hundreds of thousands journey nationwide to satisfy households.

President Moon Jae-in additionally met with aides on Wednesday to supervise the federal government’s efforts, calling for strikes to forestall any potential shortages of take a look at kits and guarantee adequate consultations with medical doctors at native clinics.

On Tuesday, some 46 South Korean athletes and coaches who will compete within the Beijing Olympics needed to obtain a COVID-19 take a look at after attending a ceremony for the delegation the place an official on the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee later examined optimistic.

South Korea, with a inhabitants of 52 million, has largely been profitable in mitigating COVID, with 762,983 whole infections and 6,620 deaths.

Greater than 95% of adults are absolutely vaccinated with some 58% having obtained a booster dose, in keeping with the Korea Illness Management and Prevention Company.

Reporting by Hyonhee Shin; Enhancing by Himani Sarkar and Richard Pullin

Our Requirements: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.