September is just around the corner, yet the spread of Covid-19 continues

The summer surge in Covid-19 cases has persisted for eight consecutive weeks, and the outbreak is expected to continue for the next one to two weeks.

High-risk groups, including older adults and people with immunocompromising conditions, are advised to exercise particular caution, according to the health authorities.

On Friday, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) urged high-risk groups, including older adults and individuals with immunocompromised conditions, to refrain from visiting crowded places and strictly adhere to preventive measures, such as wearing masks.

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This follows the eighth consecutive week of increased weekly Covid-19 hospitalizations, with the outbreak expected to persist for the next couple of weeks.

According to the acute respiratory infection surveillance results from 221 hospital-level medical institutions operated by the KDCA, the number of Covid-19 inpatients during Week 34 (Aug. 17-23) was 367, marking an increase for the eighth consecutive week since Week 26 (June 22-28). The numbers rose from 63 in week 26, 101 in week 27, 103 in week 28, 123 in week 29, 139 in week 30, 220 in week 31, 272 in week 32, and 302 in week 33 to 367.

According to this year's cumulative hospitalization data, patients aged 65 and older accounted for the largest share at 60.2 percent (2,689 patients) of all hospitalized patients (4,467). Those aged 50-64 followed at 18.2 percent (813 patients), and those aged 19-49 at 10.3 percent (461 patients).

The Covid-19 virus detection rate reached 32.6 percent in Week 34 of this year. After a clear upward trend since late June, it has fluctuated over the past three weeks, remaining at a similar level. Virus concentrations in wastewater surveillance have shown a continuous increase since Week 26.

“The spread of Covid-19 during the summer season continues to persist,” KDCA Commissioner Lim Seung-kwan said. “High-risk groups, including older adults and immunocompromised individuals who face a greater risk of severe illness if infected with Covid-19, should refrain from participating in crowded events and wear masks in enclosed indoor spaces to prevent Covid-19 infection.”

He continued, “The general public should adhere to Covid-19 prevention guidelines in daily life, including handwashing, indoor ventilation, and cough etiquette. Healthcare workers, caregivers, and visitors at medical or long-term care facilities should wear masks.”

The KDCA is monitoring the Covid-19 situation, continuously assessing the epidemic status, and maintaining a cooperative system to swiftly establish and implement response strategies with relevant ministries and experts when necessary, Lim added.