Detailed Information

Cited 0 time in webofscience Cited 0 time in scopus
Metadata Downloads

Comparison of the second and third waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea: Importance of early public health intervention

Authors
Seong, H.Hyun, H.J.Yun, J.G.Noh, J.Y.Cheong, H.J.Kim, W.J.Song, J.Y.
Issue Date
3월-2021
Publisher
Elsevier B.V.
Keywords
COVID-19; Pandemic; SARS-CoV-2; Social distancing
Citation
International Journal of Infectious Diseases, v.104, pp.742 - 745
Indexed
SCIE
SCOPUS
Journal Title
International Journal of Infectious Diseases
Volume
104
Start Page
742
End Page
745
URI
https://scholar.korea.ac.kr/handle/2021.sw.korea/129123
DOI
10.1016/j.ijid.2021.02.004
ISSN
1201-9712
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. © 2021 The Authors
Files in This Item
There are no files associated with this item.
Appears in
Collections
College of Medicine > Department of Medical Science > 1. Journal Articles

qrcode

Items in ScholarWorks are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.

Related Researcher

Researcher Noh, Ji Yun photo

Noh, Ji Yun
의과대학 (의학과)
Read more

Altmetrics

Total Views & Downloads

BROWSE