Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency carried out a weekly risk assessment of COVID-19 between March 13 and 19 and said the level of risk is very high, briefed on March 21. 

Eunkyeong Jeong, First Commissioner of KDCA, said "BA.2 is rising as dominant and it might take more time to reach the peak and the spread would keep marching in large scale. Easing social distancing, school attendance and time lapse of vaccination would weaken immunity and could affect the prolonged spread. BA.2 could increase propagation and speed amid wide spread of Omicron and we are closely monitoring. The third boost shot contributes to decreasing serious cases. However, the number of the serious cases including death could be rising during late March and early April. So we are especially focusing on aged groups and patients with underlying health issues."

KDCA emphasizes wearing mask, early test and vaccination
KDCA emphasized wearing mask, early test and vaccination to prevent serious cases especially people over 60. 

Jeong said "Wearing mask, early test and diagnosis and treatment are vital to prevent things get serious. 12.5% of the whole population still hasn't had vaccination at all and these include 4.6% of aged over 12 under subject. 3.7% over 60 also hasn't had it yet with 4.3% first shot only. Vaccination reduces the risk of serious illness by 97%."

KDCA has started third boost shot for aged 12 to 17 with 1.9% vaccination rate at the moment. Aged 5 to 11 are also to start vaccination from March 31.  

KDCA secures lagevrio alongside paxlovid
In addition to prescription of paxlovid, KDCA considers prescribing lagevrio as COVID-19 medicine to those limited to using paxlovid. 

Jeong said "The WHO limitedly recommended to use lagevrio in its guideline and KDCA would decide approval of emergency use authorization during this week. We expect securing 100,000 units of lagevrio late March and schedules of supply and prescription would soon to follow."

KDCA has secured 163,000 paxlovid and used 87,000 starting the administration from January 14 this year for aged over 40. With explosive number of the infected recently, KDCA anticipates it would last for 2 weeks. 

Jeong said "According to the WHO guideline, lagevrio could reduce hospitalization by 46%. A test carried out in India showed 65%. KDCA will explain safety and effect of administering lagevrio on a briefing after tests. Meanwhile, we are under negotiation with Pfizer to secure additional paxlovid late March. <PowerKorea>

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