In dealing with Corona, South Korea has so far been considered a role model. Because the numbers were low, the Covid rules were relaxed at the beginning of November.
But the joy was short-lived: the government tightened the screw again last weekend. “We will have to briefly suspend our return to normal,” said Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum (63).
South Korea recorded more than 1,000 seriously ill people over the weekend. These include many unvaccinated people and many elderly people who were vaccinated in the spring. In the meantime, however, the effect of the vaccine has waned.
Kim Dong-hyuk, one of the country’s well-known epidemiologists, is particularly surprised that there are so many difficult courses. 483 people died last week, more than ever before. Doctors warn of a rush in the hospitals.
Omicron shock
Like other Asian countries, South Korea first tried to suppress the virus. Instead of strict curfews, there were mass tests, consistent contact tracing and strict immigration controls. The high vaccination rate, 94 percent of adults are now vaccinated, ensured that the death rate remained relatively low.
But Omikron is shocking South Korea. New measures were hastily introduced over the weekend. A maximum of four people are allowed to meet privately. Restaurants and cafes have to close at 9 p.m. In addition, only a maximum of four verifiably vaccinated guests are allowed to sit together there if they come in groups. Unvaccinated people are allowed to go to the restaurant, but have to sit alone.
These rules also apply to bars, nightclubs and other entertainment venues. Cinemas and concert halls are allowed to close one hour later.
To fight the virus, South Korea is relying on a booster offensive. Observers assume that the measures will not be relaxed again anytime soon. Because Kim Dong-hyuk predicts that South Korea will have to prepare for worse. (gf)
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