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Comparison of the second and third waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea: Importance of early public health intervention.
Seong, Hye; Hyun, Hak Jun; Yun, Jin Gu; Noh, Ji Yun; Cheong, Hee Jin; Kim, Woo Joo; Song, Joon Young.
  • Seong H; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
  • Hyun HJ; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
  • Yun JG; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
  • Noh JY; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Asian Pacific Influenza Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
  • Cheong HJ; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Asian Pacific Influenza Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
  • Kim WJ; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Asian Pacific Influenza Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
  • Song JY; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Asian Pacific Influenza Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea. Electronic address: infection@korea.ac.kr.
Int J Infect Dis ; 104: 742-745, 2021 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1068926
ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES:

To compare epidemiologic features of the second and third waves of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in South Korea.

METHODS:

Nationwide COVID-19 data were collected between 6 May and 30 December 2020. The degree of social activity was estimated using an Internet search trend analysis program for leisure-related keywords, including 'eating-out', 'trip' and 'get directions' (transportation). Demographics, transmission chains, case fatality rates, social activity levels and public health responses were compared between the second (13 August-18 September 2020) and third (4 November 2020-present) waves.

RESULTS:

In comparison with the second wave, the third wave was characterized by delayed strengthening of social distancing policies (3 vs. 15 days), longer duration (36 vs. >56 days) and a higher case fatality rate (0.91% vs. 1.26%). There were significant differences in transmission chains between the second and third waves (P < 0.01). In comparison with the second wave, the proportion of local clusters (24.8% vs. 45.7%) was lower in the third wave, and personal contact transmission (38.5% vs. 25.9%) and unknown routes of transmission (23.5% vs. 20.8%) were higher in the third wave.

CONCLUSION:

Early and timely interventions with strengthened social distancing policies should be implemented to suppress and control the COVID-19 pandemic effectively.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Public Health / SARS-CoV-2 / COVID-19 Type of study: Experimental Studies / Observational study Limits: Adolescent / Adult / Aged / Child / Child, preschool / Female / Humans / Infant / Male / Middle aged Country/Region as subject: Asia Language: English Journal: Int J Infect Dis Journal subject: Communicable Diseases Year: 2021 Document Type: Article

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Public Health / SARS-CoV-2 / COVID-19 Type of study: Experimental Studies / Observational study Limits: Adolescent / Adult / Aged / Child / Child, preschool / Female / Humans / Infant / Male / Middle aged Country/Region as subject: Asia Language: English Journal: Int J Infect Dis Journal subject: Communicable Diseases Year: 2021 Document Type: Article