"Resurgence Unavoidable" Don't Let Your Guard Down... Is Social Distancing Being Properly Followed?

Easing of Social Distancing... Transition to Daily Quarantine System Soon
WHO Emphasizes Continued Vigilance Against COVID-19
Government: "Careful Quarantine Still Needed Despite Relaxed Restrictions"

Soldiers belonging to the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Battalion of the 2nd Operations Command conducted disinfection work to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus on the afternoon of the 23rd of last month at the 2.28 Memorial Student Library in Dong-gu, Daegu./Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] As the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) has subsided, the government has decided to extend social distancing measures in a somewhat relaxed form until the 5th of next month. Accordingly, the government has lowered the recommendation level for refraining from operation for multi-use facilities such as entertainment venues, some recreational sports facilities, academies, and religious facilities, which were previously advised to suspend operations.

However, as cases of testing positive again after recovering from COVID-19 have been increasing recently, there are opinions that easing social distancing is premature. Consequently, concerns are growing that the number of confirmed cases could surge again due to the relaxed distancing measures.

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) meeting held at the Government Seoul Office on the 20th, "Online classes and telecommuting have now become the new normal, and we have the capacity to consider balancing quarantine and economic activities," adding, "Daegu, which had struggled to prepare hospital beds and residential treatment centers due to rapidly increasing patients, has now entered a firm stabilization phase."

He continued, "Relevant ministries should ensure thorough quarantine measures for the reopening of recreational forests, outdoor public facilities, and exams, and also prepare diligently for social distancing in daily life."

However, according to a survey, the number of people not properly following the government's social distancing guidelines is increasing. An online survey company PMI conducted a survey on 3,000 men and women aged 20 to 60 on the 17th, and among respondents, 4 out of 10 answered that their compliance with social distancing was 'average' (11.2%) or 'not following' (29.7%).

On the 11th of last month, citizens wearing masks are using the subway at Sindorim Station in Guro-gu, Seoul.
Photo by Jin-Hyung Kang aymsdream@

Since the first confirmed COVID-19 case on January 20th, opinions favoring adherence to social distancing have been dominant, but as the situation stabilizes, compliance seems to be loosening gradually.

Some argue that strict social distancing should be extended, as complacency could lead to cluster infections. Especially with the upcoming Family Month and the golden holidays next month, there is a high possibility of resurgence.

A worker, A (28), who said telecommuting ended due to the COVID-19 impact, stated, "I worked from home for about a month, but as confirmed cases decreased, I returned to the office. I heard that it is likely to shift to daily life quarantine soon. However, since there are many holidays in May, many people are planning trips here and there. I am worried that confirmed cases might increase again as social distancing loosens."

B (25), who is preparing for a civil service exam, said, "Recently, as social distancing has been eased, more students have been attending academies. I am one of them. Although the academy is taking measures, many attend classes in confined spaces, so I am anxious about the possibility of suspected patients. Also, if a confirmed case appears, it could lead to a cluster infection, which would be a serious problem."

On the 8th of last month, medical staff at Seonam Hospital in Yangcheon-gu were transferring a confirmed COVID-19 patient, who had been transported by ambulance from the Daegu Gyeongbuk area, into the hospital. Photo by Yonhap News

Recently, petitions titled "Please close domestic amusement parks and leisure facilities until the extended social distancing period ends" and "Please impose enforceability on social distancing" have been posted consecutively on the Blue House National Petition Board.

Some express concerns that although the number of new confirmed cases is decreasing, cases of testing positive again after recovery are emerging, so vigilance should not be relaxed.

As of the 24th, a total of 228 people in Korea who were released from isolation after recovery have tested positive again.

Jung Eun-kyung, head of the Central Disease Control Headquarters (CDCH), said at a regular briefing held at the Osong Disease Control Headquarters in Chungbuk on the day, "So far, virus culture from specimens in re-positive cases has not been confirmed, nor have there been reports of confirmed cases among contacts during the re-positive period. However, monitoring is necessary, and it is still difficult to conclude on infectivity."

Kwon Jun-wook, deputy head of the CDCH, warned at a briefing on the 23rd, "COVID-19 is a virus optimized for a pandemic. Therefore, the possibility of a second wave in Korea is very high, and even in summer, if we become complacent, an outbreak can occur anytime."

The World Health Organization (WHO) also recently urged not to lower vigilance despite the slowdown in COVID-19 spread. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at a video briefing on the 22nd (local time), "In some countries initially affected by the pandemic, cases have started to reappear. One of the greatest risks we face now is complacency. This epidemic can easily recur."

Meanwhile, the government emphasized the need for meticulous quarantine measures despite easing distancing restrictions. Prime Minister Chung urged at the CDSCH meeting on the 20th, regarding the government's decision to continue social distancing until the 5th of next month with somewhat reduced intensity, "As restrictions are eased, meticulous quarantine measures to reduce risks must be supported."