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As the Omicron mutation spreads rapidly, there is a possibility that the number of new corona infections today (5th) may exceed 30,000.

The government has decided to extend the current social distancing by two more weeks.

However, even if the number of patients continues to increase, if the medical situation is stable, he said he would consider whether to manage the corona like the seasonal flu.



Reporter Choi Won-woon reports.



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From 00:00 to 9pm yesterday, 26,273 people across the country tested positive for COVID-19.



As the omicron mutation spreads, the number of new cases to be announced today is expected to hit 30,000 for the first time ever.



The government has decided to extend social distancing, which restricts business hours for six private gatherings, restaurants and cafes to 9 p.m., from next Monday for another two weeks.



Quarantine passes for 11 industries, including entertainment facilities and singing practice areas, are also maintained, and those who have not been vaccinated can use restaurants and cafes alone.



This is because of concerns that the number of confirmed cases per day will double every week, and that there may be more than 100,000 per day by the end of this month.



He also explained that even if the number of confirmed cases increases, quarantine measures can be lifted.



Based on the 200 critically ill patients and the declining fatality rate, which is continuing to decline, it is the first time I mentioned the possibility that the corona prevention system can now be converted to a seasonal flu level.



[Lee Ki-il/Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters 1st Controller: If the seriousness and fatality rate remain stable and the medical system has sufficient capacity, we discussed that we would gradually lift the quarantine regulations and try to restore daily life again.]



Home healer As the number of hospitals rapidly increased, it was decided to reduce the workload of management organizations such as public health centers.



Simplify the epidemiological investigation and change the method to enter the relevant information by the confirmed person himself.



In addition, we are considering introducing home care for asymptomatic and mild patients to monitor their health on their own.



The dosing range of Paxrovid, an oral treatment that prevents worsening of severe disease, is also expanded from the day after day.



In addition to the existing immunocompromised patients or those over the age of 60, patients with underlying diseases in their 50s who are diabetic, high blood pressure, or obese can also receive prescriptions.