How we can prevent a resurgence this year.

Abstract

Signs of a resurgence in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases this autumn are being observed globally, with a notable increase in the Asia-Pacific region. The Republic of Korea, in particular, continues to report the highest number of patients worldwide, indicating a widespread prevalence of the disease. However, due to challenges in data collection, it is difficult to determine the exact statistics, so it cannot be conclusively stated that this increase is unique to the Republic of Korea. The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that the currently reported cases may not accurately reflect the actual infection rates, given the global reduction in testing and reporting [1]. On June 1, the government reduced the alert level from “serious” (level 4) to “caution” (level 3) in the established alert system, which had been in place for 3 years and 4 months. Moreover, as of August 31, COVID-19 will be reclassified as a Class 4 infectious disease. This change will prompt a shift in testing protocols from mandatory to optional, with costs borne by the individual. This is akin to the approach taken with influenza, where only sentinel surveillance is conducted. The disease prevention system has now largely transitioned to a model based on recommendations and voluntary actions, with the exception of mandatory mask-wearing within medical facilities. These relaxed measures are a response to the reduced fatality rate of the disease, which has now reached the level of an endemic disease. To elaborate, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency’s press release on August 23, the fatality rate of COVID-19 in July was between 0.02% and 0.04%, a figure comparable to that of seasonal influenza (0.03% to 0.07% according to the WHO). Furthermore, the number of new confirmed cases, severe cases, and deaths have all shown a declining trend compared to the previous week, with the infection reproduction number (Rt) decreasing to 0.91. This marks the first time it has fallen below 1.0 in 8 weeks, since the third week of June. When compared to the 2 waves of the Omicron variant's prevalence in 2022, the recent fatality rate is lower: 0.10% during the predominance of the BA.1/2 variant and 0.07% during the predominance of the BA.5 variant [2]. Given the epidemiological characteristics of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus, we anticipate an increase in cases this coming fall, making it challenging to predict how COVID-19 will progress. However, the potential for a resurgence due to the waning of humoral antibodies from vaccination is a cause for concern. It is essential to implement strategies that boost vaccination rates and prioritize protection for high-risk groups. Moreover, we need to make more proactive efforts to persuade the general population to increase their vaccination uptake rates. The goal of preventing hospitalizations and deaths among high-risk groups, such as those aged 65 and above and immunocompromised individuals, remains a significant focus. The push for nationwide free vaccination for individuals aged 12 and above