7-Day COVID Self-Isolation in Place for Another 4 Weeks

The requirement for COVID-19 patients to self-isolate for seven days has been extended for another four weeks until July 17.

The government made the decision last Friday for fear of possible resurgence of the pandemic in the summer.

The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) said, "Immunity achieved from vaccinations in the last winter and spring is waning since it lasts four to six months, so we worry that the virus could resurge again around July and August."

If the self-isolation mandate remains in place, the spread of the pandemic is expected keep slowing until late August, when a low-level resurgence is likely.

Earlier, authorities mulled shortening self-isolation to three or five days or lifting it altogether, but they changed their mind.

Most experts agree. "Experts are of the opinion that it's safe to keep the seven-day mandate in place, given the amount of viral particles shed from patients and the viral culture duration," the CDSCH said. "We need to maintain it to manage the current pandemic situation and administer vaccines safely in the second half of this year."