Editor’s Note
This article highlights a public health appeal from South Jeolla Province as authorities respond to a new COVID-19 variant. It underscores the ongoing importance of following official guidelines and vaccination programs.
South Jeolla Province Governor Kim Young-rok issued an appeal to residents on the 20th, urging strict adherence to epidemic prevention rules and participation in the upcoming vaccination campaign starting in October, in response to the rapid spread of the COVID-19 variant (KP.3).
According to self-monitoring data from 112 hospital-level facilities in the South Jeolla region, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases more than doubled in the second week of August compared to the first week.
In response, the South Jeolla Province government is focusing on containing the spread and blocking the virus, noting that while the KP.3 variant shows a low fatality rate similar to influenza, it can be fatal for the elderly and those with underlying conditions.
The province has strengthened epidemic prevention management at vulnerable facilities such as nursing hospitals and nursing homes. It has designated 52 local medical institutions as infectious disease management facilities and secured 454 beds (69 negative pressure beds and 385 general isolation beds) to ensure COVID-19 patients can be hospitalized whenever necessary.
To prevent overcrowding in emergency rooms due to the surge in cases, the province is guiding patients with mild symptoms to seek treatment at local clinics or regional emergency medical centers. It is also promoting the use of local clinics or public health centers offering non-face-to-face consultations for those who have difficulty visiting hospitals.
The key daily life prevention rules include: wearing masks in crowded indoor places; ventilating indoor spaces at least three times a day and disinfecting periodically at least once a day; covering the mouth with a sleeve when coughing; washing hands for over 30 seconds; minimizing private gatherings; and staying at home after hospital consultation if COVID-19 symptoms are suspected.