Korea’s Success Fighting COVID19 Not Luck.

Until I was asked by my family in the UK why Korea is winning the war against COVID19, I didn’t realise how different the Korean approach is to other countries and how important are Fast action, Transparency, and Innovation.

The spread is really awful and the deaths heartbreaking, and this has to be taken seriously.

People are saying that it's only a virus and it will go away soon and that many people die from flu anyway.

But at best COVID19 is 10 times more virulent than flu and at worst 30-40 times more deadly for at-risk groups. i.e. the elderly and those with poor immune systems or respiratory weakness.

Korea's success, despite a huge initial setback caused by some religious groups ignoring advice about gatherings, seems to be based on quick reaction and full transparency, plus some interesting innovation to make the processes more efficient so that everyone has a pretty good idea of what is happening and can follow the guidelines to keep safe.

Basically what the Korean government did right from the beginning was to tell everybody what was happening and began testing for the virus and tracking the movements of people who were diagnosed positive.

Confirmed patients were cared for in isolated wards, all suspected cases were immediately quarantined, and advice given about washing hands and the importance of wearing masks.

This was advertised on all TV channels and on the subway and bus electronic noticeboards.

All public places provided hand sanitizers available for immediate use, free of charge.

We even have one in our lift (well, all flats in Korea now have them).

Although there is conflicting evidence about the efficacy of face masks there is some evidence to show that transmission can be reduced somewhat, and also it can reduce face touching plus it has a good psychological effect.

Just to say that the Korean government has sent detailed information out to other countries and is at the forefront of doing research into creating a vaccine.

Their scientists have already had a breakthrough regarding antibodies and are working as fast as they can to get a vaccine tested for use.

Unfortunately few countries are following the guidelines, either because they have their own systems or because they don't have the resources or the political will.

As the Korean minister said in an interview, in Korea the citizens are very demanding and want everything done immediately.

Another and very important innovation has been the drive-through testing system and now a walkthrough system for people who are worried or have some kind of symptoms.

In the drive-through, the people never get out of the car and swabs are taken for testing via the car window by medical workers dressed in full protective clothing.

In the walk-through system, people are directed to a tent area, and the doctors are shielded by a clear plastic screen with a flap in it.

They can talk to the patient but don’t have to wear cumbersome protective clothing, so it is very efficient.

Any suspected patients are isolated and given appropriate care, and the remainder get their results within two days.

Based on those results the individual is given advice on self-isolation, asked to go to a nearby isolation centre, or given the all-clear and help about what to do should symptoms return.

These innovative systems were created and set up in only a few days when it became clear that testing was vital to managing the outbreak.

We are living in an age of disinformation, and cover-up.

Although Korea has many problems, the openness and accountability of the government are refreshing and in this kind of crisis essential in fighting this disease.

Every time new cases occur text messages are sent to all citizens in the local area explaining roughly where they have been, so people can be extra vigilant.

Also, public transport is thoroughly cleaned and fumigated at least twice a day and more so, if it is known that infected people have travelled on that route.

Every day there are doctors and experts on television explaining and dispelling myths about how the virus is spread, so people are not misled by social media and have a better idea of how to combat the disease.

As more becomes known we are kept up to date on the latest understanding.

Also, apart from masks, there has been very little panic buying.

The shops are fully stocked and home delivery is expanding even beyond the already super fast service.

The only rationed items are face masks, which are now being produced from washable material.

All corona testing is free, and financial support is being offered to the most vulnerable.

Korea isn’t a paradise and there are many difficulties to deal with in daily life, but at the moment, I’m thankful I’m here.

Alain Greaves