An Analysis of the Risk of Infection Disaster with the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic

Abstract

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to examine the trend of COVID-19 infection due to its spread and determine the risk of infection disaster. It intended to identify efficient response systems and preventive measures against infection disaster.

Methods/Statistical analysis: The COVID-19 status data disclosed by KDCA were coded. The data were coded to determine the trend at a ten-day interval, starting from occurrence. The research covered the period from January 20 to September 30, 2020. 23,812 cases were confirmed and 413 were dead of COVID-19 by September 30 in South Korea. Data were analyzed using an SPSS Version 20.0 (Windows) program.

Findings: The first case of COVID-19 infection in South Korea appeared on January 20, 2020. There were 23,812 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 413 deaths by September 30. The fatality rate was 1.74%. Infection spread was first caused by Confirmed Case 31 related to a specific religion on February 18. On February 10, before Case 31 was confirmed, there were 27 confirmed cases and 0 death. On February 29, after Case 31 was confirmed, there were 3,150 confirmed cases and 17 deaths (fatality rate: 0.54%). On March 10, the mortality rate was found to be on the increase: 7,513 confirmed cases and 54 deaths (fatality rate: 0.72%). The activity of Confirmed Case 31 in closed spaces, crowded places, and close-contact settings (3Cs) seemingly made infection disaster spread more rapidly.

Improvements/Applications: The results of this study have demonstrated that 3Cs make COVID-19 infection spread more rapidly. It is therefore necessary to refrain from any 3Cs activity without full supply of COVID-19 vaccines and therapies. Efficient methods of preventing any infection disaster may include social distancing, personal hygiene, mask-wearing, rapid supply of vaccines, and establishment of a quarantine system.