As COVID-19 cases increase in neighboring countries such as Hong Kong, China, and Thailand, the Korean government urged those aged 65 and above and residents of vulnerable facilities to get vaccinated.

Lee Han-kyung, head of the Disaster and Safety Management Headquarters at the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, said on May 30, “Considering the outbreak situation in neighboring countries and the increase in patient numbers last summer, we will preemptively prepare for the possibility of a COVID-19 resurgence this summer.”

Lee presided over the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCHQ) meeting at the Government Complex in Sejong. He noted, “Most countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan, are maintaining a low level with a positivity rate of less than 6%,” and added, “The number of COVID-19 inpatients in Korea has also been showing slight fluctuations without significant changes over the past month.” He said while the domestic situation is not yet serious, the possibility of a summer resurgence cannot be completely ruled out.

The government urged, “If you have suspicious symptoms after entering the country following overseas travel, please inform the airport quarantine officer, and in daily life, strictly adhere to prevention measures such as handwashing, cough etiquette, and mask-wearing.”

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the domestic coronavirus detection rate, as tallied through respiratory disease surveillance hospitals and clinics, recorded 8.8% for the week of May 18-24 (21st week), showing an upward trend for two consecutive weeks.

The medical community is also closely monitoring the possibility of a resurgence of infectious diseases. The Infectious Disease Response Committee of the Korean Medical Association (KMA) stated in a position paper on the same day, “While COVID-19 is prevalent overseas, acute respiratory viruses such as rhinovirus, influenza B virus, and parainfluenza virus are simultaneously prevalent in Korea,” emphasizing that “special caution is needed.”

The KMA noted, “The number of patients with acute respiratory infections has shown a slight increase since mid-May, and according to health authorities, imported Omicron variant viruses are increasing, raising considerable concerns about a COVID-19 resurgence,” and warned, “As indoor activities in enclosed spaces are expected to increase in hot weather, the risk of transmission may rise.” They further emphasized, “We strongly recommend adhering to personal hygiene practices such as handwashing and wearing masks in crowded places.”