Last weekend, Yeouido Hangang was crowded with visitors
Many enjoyed meals and drinks without wearing masks
As the government urged for strict social distancing measures to overcome the novel coronavirus infection, Yeouido Hangang Park in Seoul was crowded with visitors on the 29th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@
[Asia Economy Reporter Shinwon Yoon] To prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), the government designated the period from the 22nd of last month to April 5th as the 'Strengthened Social Distancing Period' and urged public participation. However, last weekend, places like Yeouido and the Han River were crowded with visitors.
On the 29th, crowds gathered at the Han River, including Yeouido, to enjoy the spring blossoms. The Yeouido Spring Flower Festival, usually held in early April every year, was canceled due to COVID-19, and with the announcement that the cherry blossom road would be closed to vehicles starting April 1st and pedestrian paths from the 2nd, citizens seemed to take advantage of the last weekend before the full closure to go on outings.
In particular, the grassy areas of Han River Park were filled with citizens enjoying the recently warmer weather. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Han River Project Headquarters prohibited the installation of shade tents until the end of April, but tents pitched by citizens were occasionally spotted.
Also, although the government recommends social distancing of 2 meters, scenes of 4 to 5 people sitting together on a single mat were observed. Moreover, many who were eating or drinking were not wearing masks.
On the 29th, a banner reading "Yeouido Cherry Blossom Road Full Closure Notice" was hung on Yeouiseo-ro in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. Yeongdeungpo-gu announced that starting from the 1st of next month, the roadway behind the National Assembly building on Yeouiseo-ro will be closed to traffic, and from the 2nd of next month, the pedestrian walkway will be fully closed. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@
A Han River visitor residing in Yeouido, Mr. A, said, "Since they said they would block the cherry blossom road from April, I came early to see the flowers," adding, "Because of COVID-19, I haven't been able to be active for a while, and I thought outdoor activities would be okay, so I came out to enjoy."
But is outdoor activity really safe, as Mr. A said? The conclusion is no. While it is true that the risk of infection is lower outdoors than in enclosed indoor spaces, there have been recent cases of COVID-19 infection after going to see flowers. In fact, on the 18th, a man and woman in their 60s who visited Sansuyu Village in Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do, were both confirmed positive on the 23rd.
Accordingly, health authorities emphasize refraining from visiting crowded places and maintaining a distance of at least 2 meters even during outdoor activities. If you only take a walk or light exercise while keeping a distance of more than 2 meters, the risk of infection is low, but since outdoor activities often involve using facilities such as restrooms, restaurants, and cafes used by many people, it is recommended to avoid visiting altogether.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
