COVID Surge in Korea: Future Projections of the Vaccine

Kenneth Yang

Fairmont Preparatory Academy

As the year 2020 progresses on with the global pandemic and all countries race to end the international crisis as soon as possible, many countries have been able to stabilize their COVID-19 cases and maintain the number of infected patients low; Although it might not be a guarantee, there has been much indication that the COVID vaccine will come out to help potentially end the current pandemic. As a result, certain countries have ironically witnessed a surge in COVID-19 cases- in particular, South Korea. There are many possibilities that may have caused their recent surge in COVID-19 patients as many countries would agree that with the possibility of a vaccine, security may have potentially become looser; however, there is not much projection on the vaccine and its future results, an aspect we need to analyze.

From the beginning of the pandemic, South Korea has been known to properly maintain their stream of COVID-19 patients and keep it at a consistent all time low of two patients per day. However, on Wednesday December 9th, 2020, the cases in South Korea reached an all time high of 686 cases as well as another 682 cases on Thursday December 10th, 2020. This recent surge is proven to be difficult and time pressuring for South Korea since their expected vaccines, that would treat 86% of their population, will get released by the latest in March, in other words, three months for the virus to quickly spread if not maintained.

The cause of the increase in cases in South Korea is correlated to young teens going out to eat and party because of the mental drain from social distancing. This points out potential flaws within the rules such that South Korea has loosened their security on people participating in activities that break the rules of social distancing. Victoria Choi, a junior at Troy High School, stated, “So far, I think Korea has done a relatively good job handling the pandemic. However, even though there is a vaccine out, it's not the guaranteed solution to the pandemic because its effectiveness also depends on the current severity of the pandemic. I think that relaxing too much simply because there's news of a vaccine isn't a good thing. There should still be steps taken to make sure that we don't rush back into another wave.”

Others completely concurred with the given statement of the loosened reactions from the people as Kyle Min, a junior at Los Alamitos High School, stated, “I believe that South Korea is probably still enforcing the laws, but the people are feeling relaxed. But when the vaccine comes, the government will ensure that a safe transaction is made.”

There is a general trend in support for the people of South Korea potentially loosening up and venturing outside on the assumption that COVID-19 has not completely dissipated yet. Although there are other factors to consider, the cautious country will have to take precautionary measures during this time of crisis to ensure that its people safely practice social distancing. Even as a last resort, lockdown and quarantine may also be recommended for a safer precautionary measure- a global practice that is being carried out to keep the world safe.