[Report] "When Will Corona End?" Silent Myeongdong... Merchants' Deep Sighs Only

KCDC Reports 204 New COVID-19 Cases as of Afternoon on 21st
Myeongdong Merchants Say "COVID-19 Is Just Beginning... When Will It End?" with Sighs
Quiet Weekend Evenings... Street Food Also Avoided

On the afternoon of the 21st, Myeongdong Street in Jung-gu, Seoul. As of 4 PM that day, the number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection reached 204, and Myeongdong Street, which is usually crowded with people, appeared generally quiet. Photo by Seunggon Han hsg@asiae.co.kr

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] "When will this COVID-19 situation be resolved?"

Since the first confirmed case of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) on the 20th of last month, the number of patients, which had been stagnant, is now rapidly increasing. According to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC), as of 4 p.m. on the 21st, the total number of confirmed cases stands at 204.

Given this situation, the sighs of merchants running small businesses in Myeongdong, Jung-gu, Seoul, where crowds usually gather, are growing deeper. The Myeongdong streets visited by Asia Economy in the evening on this day appeared generally quiet.

Due to the impact of COVID-19, the number of visitors to Myeongdong has sharply declined, dealing a direct blow to the area. Even during the afternoon hours, which are usually crowded with tourists to the point of inconvenience, the streets showed a noticeable decrease in people.

A self-employed person in his 40s, Mr. A, who sells mobile phone accessories, said, "The decrease in people is so significant that there is hardly any difference between weekdays and weekends," adding, "Beyond the drop in sales, the people here just hope the COVID-19 situation ends quickly." He continued, "We are managing to endure for now, but if this drags on, it will be quite difficult."

Mr. B, also in his 40s, who runs a street stall nearby, shared a similar situation. He said, "It's always deserted," and added, "I might have to look for a side job." He further expressed, "Still, I think things will recover once COVID-19 ends. But how come the number of patients keeps increasing? It's frustrating."

A mart in Myeongdong where entry is not allowed without wearing a mask. Photo by Han Seung-gon hsg@asiae.co.kr

In fact, the number of people visiting street stalls in Myeongdong that day was countable on one hand. Among them, there were almost no customers looking for food, and only a few seeking items like socks or hats were noticeable. These customers were selecting items from inside the display cases and paying, likely due to concerns about possible infection.

Meanwhile, a fast-food restaurant that should have been crowded in the evening was also seen empty. The streets throughout Myeongdong were similarly quiet.

In one supermarket, customers without masks were completely denied entry due to concerns about COVID-19 infection. Additionally, the public bicycle rental service "Ddareungi" was not being used much, as many people were worried about infection through contact with others.

Mr. C, a worker in his 50s, said, "Compared to the past when Myeongdong was packed with people, these days it is almost empty," adding, "It's the same not only in Myeongdong but also in other busy districts." He lamented, "I hope COVID-19 ends soon. Both self-employed people and those in other jobs are struggling."

Seoul City Public Bicycle 'Ddarungi'. The number of users has decreased due to the impact of COVID-19. The photo shows Ddarungi located in Myeongdong, Jung-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 21st. Photo by Seunggon Han hsg@asiae.co.kr

Another citizen in his 40s said, "I thought COVID-19 was almost over, but with a surge of cases in Daegu, it seems like it's not ending but just beginning."

Meanwhile, concerns are growing that the number of deaths due to the spread of COVID-19 may increase further, as two confirmed patients died consecutively over two days at Cheongdo Daenam Hospital.

At the hospital, an immediate response team is investigating the source of infection and implementing quarantine measures in cooperation with Gyeongsangbuk-do Province.

The deceased patients at Daenam Hospital had been hospitalized there for a long time and had a history of chronic pulmonary disease; their deaths were confirmed to be due to worsening pneumonia. Regarding the cause of death, the Central Clinical Committee on Emerging Infectious Diseases estimates that pneumonia caused by COVID-19 infection is related to the deaths.

Jung Eun-kyung, head of the Central Disease Control Headquarters, emphasized, "Currently, community transmission is confirmed mainly in some regions," adding, "It is crucial to quickly identify patients in these areas, promptly isolate confirmed patients, and actively provide treatment."