The updates on COVID-19 in Korea as of August 3 from KCDC (+23)

CategoryCOVID-19
NameKim, Yeonji
Date2020-08-03 00:00
Hit643

The updates on COVID-19 in Korea as of August 3 from Korea Centers for Diesease Control & Prevention (KCDC)

As of August 3, 2020

○ As of 0:00, August 3 2020, the total number of confirmed cases is 14,389 (including 2,461 imported cases), of which 13,280 cases have been discharged from isolation. There are 3 new local cases, 20 new imported cases, and 0 new deaths.

○ Overall case and test status, as of 0:00, August 3 (cumulative since January 3, 2020)

○ Regional distribution of cases, as of 0:00, August 3 (cumulative since January 3, 2020)

○ Confirmed cases by gender and age group

○ Deaths by gender and age group

□ KCDC analyzed the last two weeks’ COVID-19 response situation and risk factors.

○ The routes of transmission* of the last two weeks are as follows: 388 imported cases (62.1%), 115 local cluster cases (18.4%), 41 cases with uncertain routes of transmission (under investigation) (6.6%), and 12 imported cases (1.9%).

* New confirmed cases in the last 2 weeks, categorized by route of transmission (625 reported cases from 19 July 0:00 to 1 August 0:00)

○ WEEKLY NEW CASES (LAST 4 WEEKS) BY AGE GROUP

- BY REGION: The number of cases in Chungcheon and Honam areas is leveling off, while sporadic clusters at publicly used facilities in the Seoul metropolitan area (camping grounds, restaurant, cafe, etc.) continue to occur.

○ RECENT MAJOR CLUSTERS

○ In order to suppress local outbreaks, 12 types of facilities have been designated and managed as high-risk facilities (since 2 June).

- On-site inspection of high-risk facilities, such as clubs and pubs, will be strengthened to ensure they follow COVID-19 prevention guidelines.

- On-site inspection will also be conducted at publicly used facilities, such as restaurants, rest stops, movie theaters, and professional sports facilities, in addition to consistently promoting adherence to COVID-19 prevention guidelines, such as the use of masks and maintaining a 2m distance from others.

- KCDC asked the public to refrain from visiting publicly used facilities, such as entertainment venues, karaokes, and PC cafes, as the transmission of COVID-19 can occur in all closed, crowded, and close-contact settings.

- To prevent the transmission of COVID-19 while vacationing in the summer holiday season, follow COVID-19 prevention guidelines, including:

Going on vacation in family units

Going on vacation for a short duration

Properly wearing a mask

Keeping a 2m distance from others

Handwashing

○ During the last week (26 July – 1 August), 2 deaths occurred, 1 case in his/her 70s and 1 case in his/her 80s. Fatality rate was 24.9% for those aged 80 or above and 9.5% for those aged 70-79.

- Routes of transmission of 1 case is under investigation, and the other was related to the Seoul Daehyo Convalescent Hospital in Gyeonggi Province. The most common route of transmission of all 301 deaths involved nursing/social welfare facilities and hospitals, accounting for 164 (54.5%) of all cases.

□ KCDC cautioned managers, workers, and users related to nursing/social welfare facilities used by high-risk senior citizens, to follow COVID-19 prevention guidelines:

○ Facility managers:

Thoroughly disinfect surfaces that often come into contact, including public items, such as wheelchairs, as well as handles and door knobs

Avoid activities that cause a considerable amount of droplets such as singing

Space out meal times; avoid talking while eating and sit side by side

Ventilate often

○ Workers associated with facilities:

- If you have COVID-19 symptoms, do not go to work, and get tested

- Do not visit public use facilities, such as clubs, pubs, karaokes, and PC cafes, while refraining from participating in social gatherings and meetings

- Wear a mask and personal protective equipment, wash your hands often, and strictly maintain hygiene while working

○ Facility users:

- If you have COVID-19 symptoms, such as respiratory symptoms or fever, immediately get tested*

* 50% of testing cost subsidized by health insurance for new inpatients getting diagnostic tests, total cost subsidized for individuals showing symptoms.

- Follow COVID-19 guidelines, such as social distancing (2m recommended), hand washing, and mask wearing, while within the facility

□ KCDC advised caution against infectious disease prevention in light of the recent damage and flooding caused by heavy rain.

○ In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, it is important for victims of flood damage to keep COVID-19 prevention guidelines in temporary shelters.

Managers of temporary shelters should

manage and check the temperature of shelter users entering or exiting the facility

regularly disinfect surfaces and items that often come into contact

ventilate at least twice a day

- Users of temporary shelters should

wear a mask

keep a 2m distance from others

refrain from activities that produce a significant amount of droplets

○ In order to prevent waterborne infectious diseases,

Food and drink should be thoroughly heated before consumption

Cooked food should not be kept for long

Individual hygiene such as handwashing is very important

○ Healthcare Guidelines for the Rainy Season

• It is important to wash your hands regularly as handwashing can prevent various waterborne infectious diseases and eye diseases

• Cooking procedure is very important – food and drink should be thoroughly heated before consumption.

- Cooked food should not be kept for long. People who have cuts in their hand or who suffer from diarrhea should not cook.

• In order to prevent mosquito-borne infectious diseases, be careful not to get bitten by mosquitoes. Make sure that there is no standing water around your house.

- Refrain from going outside from evening to dawn, when mosquitoes are active.

• When showing symptoms of fever, diarrhea, skin swelling, you are strongly recommended to see a doctor.

○ Age distribution of severe cases