58 New Confirmed Cases All Occur in 수도권
Government Implements Strengthened Quarantine Measures in 수도권
Experts Say "Enhanced Social Distancing Must Restart"
On April 6, when the two-week extension of the high-intensity social distancing period to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection was announced, commuters hurried near Seoul City Hall on their way to work. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] As the cluster infection of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) originating from the Coupang Bucheon logistics center is intensively occurring in the Seoul metropolitan area, a densely populated region including Incheon, Bucheon, and Goyang in Gyeonggi Province, there are forecasts that the country might return to strict social distancing measures.
Experts also analyzed that the current daily quarantine system cannot prevent the spread of COVID-19. In particular, the number of so-called 'unknown source' patients, whose infection routes are unclear, is increasing, highlighting the urgent need to switch back to social distancing.
The government has strengthened quarantine measures by suspending the operation of public facilities in the Seoul metropolitan area, where COVID-19 is spreading, and restricting the operation of academies and PC rooms.
According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency as of midnight on the 29th, the daily number of new confirmed cases was 58, bringing the total cumulative confirmed cases to 11,402.
Among these, excluding imported cases, the local occurrence status was 20 in Seoul, 18 in Incheon, and 20 in Gyeonggi Province, all within the Seoul metropolitan area. Notably, many of the new local confirmed cases on this day included cases related to the Coupang Bucheon logistics center and family infections.
From the 27th to this day, the number of new confirmed cases reached 177 over three days. As of midnight the previous day, the total number of confirmed cases related to the Coupang logistics center was 69, but additional patients have since been reported in Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi, surpassing at least 90 cases within five days since the first patient was identified on the 23rd.
In particular, after the first confirmed case occurred on the 26th at the KB Life Insurance call center located in Jung-gu, Seoul, a total of seven people have been confirmed positive so far.
On the afternoon of the 27th, when a cluster of COVID-19 cases occurred at the Coupang logistics center in Bucheon, Gyeonggi-do, the company signboard was displayed on the exterior wall of the Coupang Bucheon logistics center building in Ojeong-dong, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do. Photo by Yonhap News
As confirmed cases related to the Coupang logistics center surged, the government decided to suspend the operation of all public multi-use facilities in the Seoul metropolitan area until June 14.
Park Neunghoo, First Deputy Head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (Minister of Health and Welfare), stated at a briefing following an emergency meeting of related ministers at the Government Complex Sejong on the 28th, "There is concern about a chain infection in the Seoul metropolitan area related to the Bucheon logistics center in Gyeonggi Province, and considering the incubation period, the next one to two weeks will be a critical period to prevent the spread of infection in the metropolitan area." He added, "From 6 p.m. on the 29th until midnight on June 14, quarantine management will be strengthened in all sectors of the metropolitan area for 17 days."
Accordingly, entertainment facilities are also advised to refrain from operating during the same period, and if they do operate, administrative measures will be enforced to ensure compliance with quarantine rules.
In particular, academies and PC rooms, which are frequently used by students, are also recommended to limit usage, and administrative measures will be taken to strictly enforce quarantine guidelines.
Meanwhile, there are concerns about silent transmission. Since many cases are asymptomatic, there is a risk that the infection could spread throughout the local community.
A (43), who revealed that they are raising an elementary school child, said, "I live in Gyeonggi Province, and I am anxious because confirmed cases related to the Coupang logistics center keep emerging. Although my child's school postponed attendance, I worry a lot because I don't know when or where the infection might occur."
Experts pointed out that since community infections are occurring everywhere, social distancing measures need to be strengthened.
Professor Kim Woojoo of the Department of Infectious Diseases at Korea University Guro Hospital explained, "The quarantine authorities and experts have repeatedly warned that cluster infections would occur. Still, 'silent transmission' is happening in various regions. About 5% of patients have unknown causes, so we must not let our guard down."
Professor Kim added, "The government relaxed social distancing, but many people misunderstood this. It should not be misunderstood that relaxing means not wearing masks or ignoring quarantine guidelines."
He continued, "Wearing masks is essential, and not only masks but also maintaining a 2-meter distance, handwashing, cough etiquette, and environmental hygiene must all be observed as before. The government should enforce these guidelines strictly to ensure compliance."
Professor Eom Jung-sik of Gachon University Gil Medical Center's Department of Infectious Diseases appeared on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' and analyzed, "This outbreak related to the Coupang logistics center is centered in the southern Gyeonggi and Incheon areas, and there is a high possibility of confirmed cases emerging for the time being. Even if it is well controlled, the next two to three weeks will inevitably be very difficult."
Regarding the government's stance not to return to strict social distancing, he said, "Quick and strong responses are key to successful quarantine, but I am concerned that this sense is being lost now. Only with a swift and strong response can the chain of transmission be broken."
He added, "Individuals need time, and social organizations and companies also need preparation time when transitioning to social distancing. The effects can only be seen after two weeks of full social distancing. I believe social distancing should start at least in the metropolitan area from now."
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