Despite the fact that daily coronavirus cases in South Korea dipped below 4,000 for the first time in a week on Monday, health officials warned of a possible return due to the rapid spread of the omicron variety in the face of partially relaxed antivirus restrictions.
Following an increase in new COVID-19 infections of 3,859 cases, including 3,551 local infections, the overall number of cases increased to 696,032 cases in the country, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
The statistic represents a decrease from the previous day's total of 4,193 new cases when the daily total remained over the 4,000 thresholds for the fifth consecutive day. The KDCA reported that the number of severely ill COVID-19 patients had fallen below 600 for the first time in more than 50 days, to 579, marking the lowest level in more than 50 days.
The country reported an additional 23 COVID-19 deaths, bringing the total number of deaths to 6,333. The fatality rate was 0.91 percent, according to the data. Among those brought in were 308 instances, down from a day high of 406 cases reported on Friday, according to the relevant authorities.
The government said on Monday that the immunization pass program would be discontinued at six types of multiuse institutions across the country, including department stores, huge discount stores, museums, libraries, theatres, and cram schools.
Three days earlier, a Seoul court halted the implementation of the vaccine pass program at department and discount stores, as well as planned vaccination requirements for those aged 12-18 at all facilities. The suspension came as a result of a lawsuit alleging that the program discriminates against those who have not been vaccinated.
When visiting multi-use facilities, participants are required to show proof of COVID-19 immunization or negative test results, according to the program. In phases since November, when the number of daily infections rose to about 8,000 cases, the program has been in effect in various forms.
"When compared to December, the number of daily infections has decreased, and we now have a higher capacity in terms of medical resources. We will discontinue the vaccine pass program in facilities where citizens can wear masks at all times and engage in activities that do not result in excessive saliva spraying "Kwon Deok-Cheol, Korea's Minister of Health stated.
In contrast, the KDCA stated that the vaccine pass program will continue to be valid in places like cafes, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, indoor gyms and sports stadiums, karaoke venues, computer rooms, and public bathhouses.
Because teenagers aged 12-18 account for more than 25 percent of all infections in the country, the government has also pledged to continue pressing for its implementation, which is scheduled to begin in March as previously announced.
As a result, the KDCA stated that it expects the court to change its decision on the subject. "We've decided to apply the vaccine pass solely to high-risk institutions that are not directly linked to minors' study and education," the agency stated in a release. "This is a temporary adjustment, and the system is subject to change in response to the virus situation," the statement reads.
On Monday, the government also increased the maximum number of people who can attend private events from four to six, up from the previous four. In spite of this, the government has decided to prolong the curfew on restaurants and cafes, which has been in effect since mid-December, for another three weeks, until February 6.
The decision was made amid growing concerns about a dramatic increase in infections, particularly because the highly transmissible omicron form has spread at a rapid pace and because many people are likely to travel over the approaching Lunar New Year vacation, which falls on February 5.
The KDCA said that cases of the Omicron virus accounted for 26.7 percent of all domestic virus cases reported last week, more than doubling in a week. The agency also revealed that cases of the variant accounted for a whopping 94.7 percent of all imported cases during the same period.
According to Kwon, "Omicron is projected to become the dominant COVID-19 variety in our country by the conclusion of this weekend."
According to the minister, "If we do not respond appropriately to this issue, it has the potential to paralyze our medical system and cause major societal difficulties." He urged individuals to completely comply with quarantine regulations and to acquire booster vaccinations.
According to the health authorities, as of Monday, 43.51 million people, or 84.8 percent of the country's 52 million inhabitants, had been fully vaccinated, while 23.35 million, or 45.5 percent, had gotten booster doses.
