Gyeonggi Province Mandates Hospitalization for Omicron Variant Patients... Strengthens Response Including Self-Quarantine for Fully Vaccinated Contacts

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Park Noh-hun] To prevent the spread of COVID-19 Omicron variant virus, Gyeonggi Province has taken strong measures including requiring self-quarantine for all Omicron variant contacts without exception, even those fully vaccinated, while excluding Omicron variant patients from home treatment eligibility and mandating hospitalization at hospitals or residential treatment centers.

Ryu Young-cheol, head of Gyeonggi Province's Health and Health Bureau, held a regular press briefing on the 7th to announce the Omicron variant situation in Gyeonggi Province and corresponding response measures.

As of 0 a.m. on the 7th, there are 2 confirmed Omicron variant cases in the province. The 2 confirmed patients entered the country on November 23rd after staying in Nigeria, received confirmed diagnoses on the 24th, and were undergoing home treatment when the Omicron variant was confirmed on December 1st; they are currently in isolation.

Additionally, 3 individuals suspected of Omicron variant infection are currently undergoing testing.

Gyeonggi Province has strengthened quarantine measures including epidemiological investigations in response to the Omicron variant.

First, to expedite epidemiological investigations, the province is ensuring that contact tracing and registration are completed within 24 hours for all Omicron variant contacts.

Furthermore, Omicron variant contacts are required to self-quarantine for 14 days without exception, even if fully vaccinated, and surveillance is being strengthened by conducting 3 diagnostic tests during the quarantine period.

Patients confirmed with the Omicron variant are hospitalized at hospitals or residential treatment centers rather than receiving home treatment, preventing infection spread and enabling close management of patient conditions.

Director Ryu Young-cheol emphasized, "Gyeonggi Province is committed to thoroughly responding to the Omicron variant through strengthened epidemiological investigations. We urge all residents to actively participate in booster vaccinations and comply with quarantine guidelines."

Meanwhile, as of 0 a.m. on the 7th, the number of deaths in Gyeonggi Province has increased by 25 from 0 a.m. the previous day, reaching 1,304. During the week from November 28th to December 4th, 103 deaths occurred in the province, an increase of 13 compared to 90 deaths the previous week.

As of 0 a.m. on the 7th, the number of confirmed cases in Gyeonggi Province has increased by 1,321 from the previous day, reaching a total of 143,806. Compared to the first week of November, overall confirmed cases have increased by approximately 91%, with particularly notable increases in the 50s age group and those 60 and older, rising from 558 and 1,343 cases respectively one month prior to 1,244 and 3,021 cases, representing more than double the number of confirmed cases.

However, among infection routes for the elderly population 60 and older, cluster cases and long-term care facility-related infections have decreased from 33% in the first week of November to 18%. Key factors for this decrease are attributed to booster vaccinations at nursing homes and facilities, as well as twice-weekly PCR testing at infection-vulnerable facilities.

As of 8 p.m. on the 6th, the total number of secured hospital beds in the province, combining general and severe patient beds, is 2,693. Currently, 2,047 beds are in use, with a bed occupancy rate of 76%.

As of 0 a.m. on the 7th, a total of 10,853,050 Gyeonggi Province residents have completed COVID-19 vaccination, representing 81.5% of the province's population.