Health Authorities: "Escalation of Social Distancing Measures Unavoidable if Situation Worsens"

On the 13th, a Dream Board expressing the hope to reclaim the daily lives lost due to COVID-19, in celebration of the 75th anniversary of Liberation Day, was unveiled on the exterior wall of Seoul Library in Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] On the 13th, health authorities announced that if the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) continues domestically, the current Level 1 'social distancing' could be raised to Level 2.

Kwon Jun-wook, Deputy Director of the Central Disease Control Headquarters, said at a regular briefing held at the Osong Disease Control Headquarters in Chungbuk on the same day, "If the situation continues to worsen, we will have no choice but to restrict some daily activities again."

Regarding the daily new confirmed cases recording the 50s for two consecutive days amid the spread of local infections centered around the metropolitan area, health authorities diagnosed the situation as 'a critical moment.'

Deputy Director Kwon explained, "The epidemic situation is more concerning than in May and June," adding, "(Currently) it is not a chain spread from a single infection source, but silent transmission of asymptomatic and mild infections continues unnoticed in the community, and signs of simultaneous outbreaks are being detected in churches, door-to-door sales, workplaces, markets, and schools."

He particularly pointed out summer vacations, the Liberation Day holiday, and large-scale rallies as risk factors.

Deputy Director Kwon said, "If this situation coincides with the vacation period and is further amplified through travel, small gatherings, and large-scale rallies during the three-day holiday, it could lead to a truly uncontrollable situation," urging, "Please refrain as much as possible from all outdoor gatherings and large or small meetings nationwide during this weekend and the substitute holiday."

He continued, "The risk of community infection in the metropolitan area, including Seoul and Gyeonggi, has become very high," and said, "If the spread is not curbed during this holiday period and the links extend inside and outside the metropolitan area, please have a desperate mindset that it will be difficult to maintain the hard-won daily life."