COVID Resurgence: The Latest COVID Situation and Isolation Policy in 2025

It has been quite a while since the COVID-19 pandemic, which seemed like it would never end, finally shifted into the endemic phase.​

However, as a new variant called Nimbus has been spreading rapidly lately,

concerns about a COVID resurgence are growing again. In particular, it is said to be characterized by severe sore throat, as if your throat were cut with a knife,

so you really need to be careful. In the summer of 2025, what kind of COVID-19 situation are we facing, and how should we respond?

I will organize the complicated policies and information in an easy-to-understand way at a glance!

2025 COVID Situation 📈

As of September 2025, the number of COVID-19 infections, which had been quiet for a while, is rising again.

In particular, as the summer vacation season and the start of the school year overlap, the 'COVID resurgence' has become a reality. As of the third week of August,

the number of hospitalized patients has been increasing for eight consecutive weeks, and the health authorities believe that the next two weeks or so will be the critical point of this wave.

Although large-scale social distancing or lockdown measures like those during the pandemic are not being implemented in this situation,

severe cases are increasing, especially among high-risk groups, so we must not let our guard down.

This disease is now likely to become an annual outbreak, much like seasonal influenza.

To respond wisely to this 'COVID resurgence,' personal hygiene management has become even more important.

COVID-19 Testing Methods 🧪

COVID-19 testing has now entered a phase of selective focus. Unlike before, PCR testing is no longer performed for the entire population.

The most widely used testing methods now are rapid antigen tests and PCR tests.

If you have respiratory symptoms, you can first try a rapid antigen test using a self-test kit.

You can easily purchase and use a kit at a nearby hospital or pharmacy. On the other hand, PCR tests conducted at medical institutions are

mainly used to confirm cases when you are high-risk, have been in contact with a confirmed patient, or test positive on a rapid antigen test. At public health center screening clinics,

tests may be available free of charge or at a low cost for high-risk groups and others.

At general medical institutions, out-of-pocket costs may apply, so it is a good idea to check before visiting.

2025 Isolation Policy 🏥

Despite the COVID resurgence, the government has greatly relaxed isolation policies.

Now, even if you are confirmed positive, there is no longer a legal mandatory isolation requirement, and voluntary isolation at the level of influenza is recommended.

Confirmed patients should rest sufficiently until their symptoms improve and avoid going out.

In particular, it is advisable to avoid crowded places and public transportation.

In group-living settings such as schools and daycare centers, it is recommended to refrain from attending for a few days.

Please note that with the lifting of mandatory isolation, most related support payments have also ended. Some workplaces may still provide paid leave

according to their own rules, so it would be a good idea to check with your company. This is a time when individual responsibility for preventing infectious diseases is emphasized even more.

Smart Prevention Tips for the COVID Resurgence ✅

Even during this resurgence of the disease, our daily lives must go on. Please follow the preventive measures below and finish 2025 in good health!

• Handwashing: Making a habit of washing your hands thoroughly with soap under running water for at least 30 seconds is the basis of preventing all respiratory infectious diseases.

• Wearing a mask: It is recommended to wear a mask when using crowded facilities, hospitals, or public transportation.

• Ventilation: Frequently ventilate indoor air to lower virus concentration. Natural ventilation for 10 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day, is effective.

• Cough etiquette: When coughing or sneezing, make it a habit to cover your mouth and nose with your sleeve or a handkerchief.

• Vaccination: If you are in a high-risk group, such as older adults or immunocompromised people, you should lower the risk of severe illness by getting the latest variant vaccine.

• Balanced meals: Strengthening your immune system with enough rest and a balanced diet is the most important thing.

COVID-19 has now become a disease that we need to manage in daily life.

It is now time for all of us to work together to wisely overcome the 'COVID resurgence.'

Don't be too afraid; if you follow the above guidelines well, you will still be able to enjoy a safe daily life.

Previous image Next image