[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The government will implement strengthened quarantine measures targeting the Seoul metropolitan area until June 14. This measure aims to minimize the spread of infections within the metropolitan area following a rapid increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases originating from the Coupang logistics center in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province.
Park Neung-hoo, First Deputy Head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (Minister of Health and Welfare), stated at a briefing held at the Government Sejong Complex on the 28th, "From the 29th until June 14, a total of 17 days, quarantine management will be strengthened across all sectors in the metropolitan area."
The government views the next one to two weeks as a critical period to prevent the spread of infections in the metropolitan area. Deputy Head Park said, "There is concern about a chain infection in the metropolitan area related to the Bucheon logistics center," adding, "All sectors of society must unite to prevent further spread of initial infections in the metropolitan area."
The government urged residents of the metropolitan area to cancel or postpone non-essential gatherings and appointments as much as possible and to refrain from using multi-use facilities where many people gather in enclosed spaces.
Accordingly, quarantine measures will be significantly strengthened, including temporarily suspending the operation of public and multi-use facilities within the metropolitan area. First, the operation of public facilities in the metropolitan area used by unspecified large numbers of people, such as training centers, art galleries, museums, parks, and national and public theaters, will be suspended.
Events hosted by the government, local governments, and public institutions within the metropolitan area will also be canceled or postponed. Additionally, public institutions are requested to actively utilize flexible work arrangements such as staggered commuting and telecommuting to minimize close contact.
Operation of entertainment bars, karaoke rooms, academies, and PC rooms in the metropolitan area is also recommended to be restrained. If operation is unavoidable and quarantine rules are not followed, measures such as legal prosecution and suspension of gatherings may be taken.
Yoon Tae-ho, Head of the Quarantine General Division at the Central Disaster Management Headquarters, explained, "An administrative order recommending restraint on the operation of these facilities will be issued under the name of the Minister of Health and Welfare," adding, "Since legal obligations are involved, enforcement may be stricter."
School attendance will proceed as scheduled. The third and fourth rounds of school attendance planned for June 3 and 8 will also be promoted. However, schedules may be readjusted in regions where the situation is severe.
Since confirmed cases have occurred mainly in the metropolitan area, the government will maintain the "Everyday Life Social Distancing" system for now. However, if the current spread cannot be contained, a return to social distancing measures will be considered.
Deputy Head Park emphasized, "If the outbreak continues to grow, we will have no choice but to return to social distancing," and "Efforts and dedication from adults are necessary for our children to continue their school life." He also urged, "Residents of the metropolitan area should refrain from gatherings and events and return home immediately after work whenever possible," adding, "Please avoid going out except for essential reasons such as purchasing daily necessities or visiting medical institutions."
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