COVID-19 in South Korea: Usefulness of Antibody test for effective Prevention measures

Abstract

The new coronavirus infection, which began in December 2019, has spread rapidly across Asian countries from January to February 2020 and after March. The disease caused by this virus is called coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and is characterized by fever, cough, and dyspnea. On January 31, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Quarantine authorities are constantly working to prevent the spread of COVID-19. One of the efforts is preparing for a national antibody test as a massive infection is expected to happen again in the fall. There are three reasons for antibody testing from the perspective of prevention measures. First, to find infected people without symptoms. Second, it is to check whether a neutralizing antibody is formed. Third, to confirm collective immunity. Considering the situation where there are no effective antiviral drugs or vaccines, the strategy of establishing an effective countermeasure against antibody tests is a method to minimize the damages of the COVID-19 epidemic that we can currently choose.