Crowds Packed Closely in Line, Loud Conversations Among Groups
"Please Keep Distance" Requests Ineffective
Concerns Over Simultaneous COVID-19 Surge... Vaccination Numbers Expected to Rise
Mask Wearing, Minimizing Conversation, and Maintaining Distance Must Be Followed
On the afternoon of the 18th, a long queue formed in front of an influenza vaccination center in Suwon-si, Gyeonggi Province. However, social distancing measures, such as maintaining space between people, were not properly observed in many places.
[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] On the afternoon of the 18th, a line over 100 meters long formed in front of building A in Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, where flu vaccinations were being administered. Although the number of flu vaccination recipients was limited to 500 per day, a large number of residents eager to get vaccinated early gathered, causing the entrance process to take more than an hour.
Institution A limited the number of people entering the building to five to maintain social distancing and required hand sanitization and completion of a health questionnaire before entry. Outside the building, waiting lines were marked on the ground to ensure at least 1 meter of distance between people.
However, social distancing was not properly observed by citizens coming for flu vaccinations. While everyone wore masks, many stood close to the person in front without maintaining proper spacing or engaged in small group conversations with companions. Although staff members frequently reminded people to "please observe social distancing," the spacing between lines quickly narrowed again.
Loud noises were heard among those waiting. Some waiting individuals played mobile phone games and talked loudly, standing close to the person in front, which led to complaints from other citizens. A 61-year-old female citizen, Lee (61, female), who was waiting for a flu vaccination, expressed dissatisfaction, saying, "The waiting time is already long due to the crowd, so people should be considerate and respectful of each other," and added, "It is frustrating to see some people not following social distancing."
Amid concerns about the simultaneous spread of COVID-19 and influenza virus in the second half of this year, many citizens are rushing to get flu vaccinations. However, the excessive crowding and lack of proper social distancing are causing concern.
The government is preparing for the simultaneous spread of COVID-19 and influenza by expanding free flu vaccinations, including those aged 62 and older this year. Jung Eun-kyung, head of the Central Disease Control Headquarters, recently stated in a briefing that the currently secured vaccine supply is "enough for high-risk groups to get vaccinated."
Accordingly, the number of flu vaccination recipients is expected to increase compared to previous years. In particular, from the 22nd of this month, free vaccinations will begin for infants aged 6 months to 18 years old, the elderly, and pregnant women, making adherence to social distancing during the expected crowded vaccination process more important than ever. Head Jung also explained, "We will continue to request cooperation from related agencies to ensure vaccinations are distributed and administered safely according to the scheduled plan."
Those wishing to receive flu vaccinations must wear masks when visiting hospitals, clinics, or public health centers and maintain social distancing as much as possible while waiting. Before entry, they must cooperate with the vaccination institution's requests, including hand sanitization, temperature checks, and completion of a pre-screening questionnaire.
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