Table 1. Comparison of 2 different public health responses to the COVID-19.

Variables	Great Barrington Declaration	John Snow Memorandum
Objective	To minimize mortality and social harm by balancing risks and benefits until sufficient herd immunity is reached.	To control community spread of COVID-19 until effective vaccines are available.
Strategies	Focused protection.	Sustained suppression.
	Maintenance of social activities in low-risk, young age groups, and strengthened protection for high-risk groups → gradual increase in herd immunity.	Suppression of community outbreaks through reinforced social distancing until effective vaccines/therapeutics are available → secure socioeconomic safety.
Supporting evidence	Significant differences with age and comorbidities in the CFR of COVID-19: fatality rates were 1000-fold higher in the old and infirm than in the young.	Several-fold higher CFR of COVID-19 compared to seasonal influenza.
		Uncertain duration of protective immunity after recovery from COVID-19.
		Possibility of re-infection.
Presumed disadvantages	Uncontrolled COVID-19 outbreak in young adults will eventually spread to all ages, including old adults.	Lower childhood vaccination rate. Worsening cardiovascular disease outcome. Fewer cancer screenings. Deteriorating mental health. Problems in student education. Harmful to the economy.
	High morbidity and mortality.
	Collapse of the medical system.
	Socioeconomic loss.
Applicability	Due to Korea's multigenerational family and cultural characteristics, focused protection of high-risk groups faces practical difficulties.	There are concerns relating to increased fatigue and economic damage when sustained suppression lasts for a long time.

COVID-19 = coronavirus disease 2019, CFR = case fatality rates.