The government is considering a gradual, phasal transition into a new COVID-19 management system where coexisting with the virus is normalized in day-to-day life.

Senior Health Ministry official Son Young-rae said on Monday that any review of easing quarantine must come after preconditions are met, including a slowdown in the current wave of the pandemic.

As such, Son said authorities will observe for stabilization in COVID-19's spread throughout the month of September. He said a step-by-step return to normal life should follow expanded vaccinations and a reduction in hospitalizations, serious cases and death toll.

He added that the government prefers not to use the term "With Corona" when referring to the transition, as it could miscommunicate to some that social distancing would end.

The transition involves managing the rate of serious cases and death toll with vaccines, similar to influenza, over the current approach of preventing new infections.