A doctor at Seoul Medical Center speaks to a COVID-19 patient undergoing treatment at home. [Photo: Newsis]
Most COVID-19 patients infected with the Omicron variant will be able to recover from the disease at home, authorities said Wednesday.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced the updated policy as the variant is soon expected to become the dominant version of the coronavirus in the country.
Previously, people with Omicron were treated outside the home to prevent community transmission.
Ministry spokesman Son Young-rae said COVID patients with underlying conditions will be given priority access to hospitals and community treatment centers.
Data shows although Omicron causes a less severe illness than Delta and other earlier variants, it is extremely contagious.
The government has been preparing for a surge in Omicron-fueled infections that could potential stress the medical system and lead to hospital beds running out.
Son added that people who live with infected patients recovering at home must also follow key quarantine measures such as wearing KF-94 masks and ventilating and disinfecting spaces on a regular basis to protect themselves and others.
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