(EDITORIAL from the Korea Times on Nov. 4)

Highest Flu Alert: Joint National Efforts Needed to Contain Pandemic

It is an inevitable step for the government to raise its swine flu alert to the
highest level as the number of people contracted with the pandemic is increasing
exponentially.

A cold spell has also prompted the health authorities to step up
their fight against the highly contagious virus. In this situation, we cannot
overemphasize the importance of a quick response to the rapidly spreading
influenza A (H1N1) virus.
It goes without saying that quick and early measures are pivotal in preventing
any contagious disease. In this sense, the authorities have failed to take
preventive action. But the failure does not stem from the government's negligence
or incompetence. Rather, it is the direct result of the influenza's ferocity. The
nation has so far fared relatively well to contain the epidemic since its
outbreak in Mexico in April, although there were some missteps and confusion.
In this regard, we consider the heightened alert level as a timely and proper
step in the nation's efforts against the new flu. One may criticize policymakers
for taking belated action. But such criticism should be directed toward
encouraging authorities to take more preemptive and proactive measures against
the virus. In fact, we don't have much time for a blame game or finger pointing.
It's time for the nation to pool wisdom and make a joint effort to win the fight
against the virus.
The Lee Myung-bak administration is required to urgently take follow-up measures
to halt the further spread of the virus. With the upgraded ``Red" alert level,
the government has decided to create a central disaster relief headquarters under
the Ministry of Public Administration and Security to better combat the epidemic.
It is necessary to ensure the smooth operation of the headquarters so that
officials at different ministries and agencies can maximize their collaboration
to ensure public health.
It is no exaggeration to say that the nation is mired in a flu crisis. An average
of 8,857 people came down with the virus per day last week, sharply up from 4,420
the week before. It is only a matter of time before we see the daily figure
surpass 10,000. The number of suspicious flu virus holders rose to a record high
of 20.29 per 100,000 outpatients visiting hospitals and clinics. Forty-two people
have died of influenza A across the country since the first death was reported in
August. There are growing concerns that about a third of the entire population
may catch the virus this winter.
Therefore, it is important for the authorities to take a consistent and credible
anti-influenza policy in order to avoid unnecessary panic. Individuals are also
required to follow sanitation recommendations and advice for prevention and
treatment. The government should go all-out to implement its vaccination program
for 17.2 million people, or 35 percent of the nation's total population. It needs
to make vaccine shots available for the most vulnerable groups, including
students, children and the elderly, ahead of the inoculation schedule.
The pandemic is also likely to have adverse implications on the nation's efforts
to get out of the global economic crisis. Thus, policymakers have to take
necessary measures to minimize the economic fallout of the raging influenza.
(END)