COVID-19 Central Disease Control Headquarters Regular Briefing
Jung Eun-kyung, Head of Headquarters, "Considering Escalation if Outbreak Not Controlled"
[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] Jeong Eun-kyung, head of the Central Disease Control Headquarters, said on the 21st that if the recent spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) continues uncontrollably, the current level 2 social distancing measures should be considered for escalation to the highest level 3.
Level 3 social distancing is an 'extreme measure' that prohibits gatherings of more than 10 people. The government has so far taken a cautious stance on raising the alert to level 3, but the fact that Jeong Eun-kyung, who is in charge of Korea's COVID-19 control tower, directly mentioned this possibility is interpreted as an indication of how serious the recent situation is.
At the regular briefing on the same day, Head Jeong said, "The current scale of the outbreak is difficult to keep up with due to its speed, and since the virus is infectious before symptoms appear, it is very difficult to control the current outbreak without reducing contact between people," adding, "Social distancing has been strengthened to level 2 in the metropolitan area, Busan, and some other cities and provinces."
She continued, "The priority is to thoroughly manage and ensure that level 2 distancing is properly implemented and practiced," and said, "If this is not carried out and the spread continues, raising to level 3 must also be considered."
On the 19th, the government strengthened social distancing measures in the Seoul metropolitan area to curb the explosive spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). Gatherings and events with more than 50 people indoors and more than 100 people outdoors are, in principle, prohibited until the 30th of this month. This applies not only to exhibitions, public hearings, commemorative ceremonies, and recruitment exams but also to private gatherings such as weddings, alumni meetings, 60th birthday parties, funerals, and first birthday parties, which cannot be held with many people present. Twelve types of high-risk facilities will be required to suspend operations. These facilities include clubs, room salons, and other entertainment bars, colatecs, danran bars, emotional bars, hunting pochas, karaoke rooms, indoor standing concert halls, indoor group exercise (intense GX types), buffets (including those in wedding halls), PC rooms, direct sales promotion centers, and large academies (with 300 or more people). The photo shows the scene of the Youth Street in Jonggak, Seoul, on the day. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@
Level 3 social distancing is triggered when the number of new daily confirmed cases exceeds 100 to 200, and the number of new cases doubles more than twice in a week, indicating a rapid spread of the outbreak. Additionally, if cases with unknown infection routes or managed cluster outbreaks increase sharply, the authorities will review the situation with relevant experts and activate level 3. Under level 3, all gatherings or events with more than 10 people meeting face-to-face are prohibited.
Only essential public duties or critical business activities are allowed exceptions. Operation of all multi-use facilities is restricted or suspended, and even if operated on a limited basis, they must close after 9 p.m. Schools and kindergartens switch to remote learning or close, and except for essential personnel, telecommuting is implemented or recommended.
This is practically a 'standstill' that halts daily life, making it a difficult decision for the government. Even when raising to level 2 on the 15th, careful consideration was made. Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun had stated as recently as the 19th that it was not yet at the level to raise to level 3.
Head Jeong viewed this weekend as a turning point. She emphasized that reducing contact over the weekend to slow the spread and the next 2 to 3 days, during which the previously taken measures are expected to show effects, are crucial. She said, "(The recent) crisis situation is much more serious than the crisis in Daegu and Gyeongbuk in February and March," and urged, "I repeatedly ask the public to be vigilant and strictly follow social distancing and mask-wearing."
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