Omicron 2.5 surges in South Korea

Seoul, July 17 (RHC)-- Yet another wave of COVID-19 is hitting South Korea, with cases doubling to 40,000 per day in the past week.  Local media says that the BA.5 Omicron subvariant accounts for almost a third of the new cases, a portion that is increasing.  

While experts recognize vaccines may not always prevent infection, they decrease illnesses and deaths.  The fatality rate of COVID-19 has dropped to near the seasonal flu. Still experts argue the changed behaviors of mask wearing and routine vaccinations should remain in place.

The recent spike in daily COVID-19 cases comes as South Korea this past week detected its first case of BA2.75.  Nicknamed Centaurus, scientists worry that the highly mutated Omicron variant is even more transmissible than previous strains.

Some want stronger anti-virus enforcement, suggesting public apathy risks another COVID-induced economic downturn.  People are required to wear masks on transit, but the government has said it will not implement lockdowns.  People over 50 will be offered 4th vaccinations next week.