[ASEAN Column] A Weary World, An Unyielding Giant Enemy

The world is gradually lifting lockdown orders related to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). Southeast Asian countries began to progressively ease lockdowns starting from the 1st of this month.

However, this does not mean that COVID-19 has been completely conquered. It is understood that the pandemic will be difficult to end until a vaccine is developed. Due to the complex issues that may arise from economic problems and mental fatigue, lockdowns have to be lifted inevitably.

The responses and solutions of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries vary. In the Philippines, the strictest and longest lockdown policy in the ASEAN region has been implemented since mid-March until now. Although lockdowns began to be gradually lifted from the 1st, restaurants only allow takeout. Hair salons, massage shops, theaters, bars, and clubs are all prohibited from operating. When shopping, a timetable card must be used, and visits must be completed within one hour. Singapore will also lower its lockdown level to a similar extent as the Philippines starting from the 2nd.

In Indonesia, if someone is caught not maintaining social distancing or not wearing a mask, the person must wear a placard around their neck that says "I will definitely wear a mask next time" and take a photo to be posted on social networking services (SNS). Alternatively, violators must wear a vest labeled "Rule Breaker" and perform cleaning duties at public facilities or public restrooms as punishment. In some areas of Indonesia, violators were even punished by being confined in "ghost houses."

In Singapore, if rules such as mask-wearing are violated, the person's identity is disclosed and immediate penalties are imposed on the grounds that it threatens public safety. Visiting friends or neighbors' houses is strictly prohibited. Recently, a person was found sitting on a chair outside their apartment three times and was sentenced to six months in prison or fined 9.5 million won.

There is still debate over how much lockdown policy each government should implement regarding COVID-19. Due to concerns about economic recession, doors cannot be locked indefinitely, but at the same time, they cannot be opened recklessly, creating a major dilemma. In Singapore, during the lockdown period, noise disputes between neighbors and incidents of domestic violence surged. Social problems related to mental stress, not economic issues, are also significant.

COVID-19 is still raging fiercely. In the Philippines, which implemented strict lockdowns, 539 new confirmed cases were reported in one day on the 28th of last month, and in Singapore, the number of confirmed cases among foreign workers residing in dormitories consistently remains between 500 and 600. How should humanity fight this enormous enemy? Or can we even fight and win? These days, as lockdowns are about to be lifted, feelings are complicated.

Kim Hyejin, Professor of Political and International Studies, National University of Singapore