Government Eases Social Distancing from Level 2.5 to 2
Domestic COVID-19 Cases Still in Triple Digits...Concerns Over Third Wave Explosion
[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] As the government eased social distancing measures in the Seoul metropolitan area from level 2.5 to level 2, citizens' complacency about safety has deepened. This is due to an increase in citizens not properly following quarantine guidelines in places such as bars, restaurants, cafes, and gyms where business restrictions have been lifted.
On the 13th, the government announced that it would lower the social distancing level in the Seoul metropolitan area to level 2 for the next two weeks in response to the COVID-19 situation. This decision was made considering the slight slowdown in the spread, with new confirmed cases in the low 100s, as well as the difficulties faced by small business owners and self-employed individuals. Accordingly, the restriction that only allowed takeout and delivery from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. the next day at all general restaurants, snack bars, and bakeries in the metropolitan area was lifted. Additionally, city bus traffic returned to normal levels.
With these eased restrictions, daily life for citizens has somewhat returned to normal, but signs of complacency about safety are evident throughout the metropolitan city centers. It is often observed that some restaurants ignore distancing guidelines and seat customers at every table, violating quarantine rules. For example, at around 9 p.m. on the 18th, a bar in the food alley in front of Yeongdeungpo Station in Seoul was packed with customers at every table. The distance between tables was less than 1 meter, and groups sitting at the same table were huddled closely together. Citizens smoking in the alley were removing their masks entirely and spitting anywhere while talking.
Cafes and gyms that have resumed normal operations are also crowded. Both places require indoor mask-wearing as a rule, but compliance is rare. In cafes, masks must be frequently lowered to drink beverages, and in gyms, it is difficult to exercise while wearing a mask, which quickly becomes soaked with sweat.
Given this situation, quarantine authorities remain vigilant. New confirmed cases have not noticeably decreased. According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters (CDCH), as of midnight on the 19th, 106 new domestic cases were reported. Sporadic local infections continue nationwide, maintaining concerns about cluster infections. Even limited to the Seoul area, small cluster infections are ongoing sporadically, such as at the K Health Industry mask distribution company in Gangnam-gu and Our Church in Songpa-gu.
Although the situation has improved compared to last month, the quarantine authorities warn that a third explosive surge in new cases could occur at any time. Kwon Jun-wook, deputy director of the CDCH, urged, "Please remember the nightmare when the COVID-19 virus resurgence occurred every time social distancing was relaxed," adding, "This is not a situation where vigilance can be relaxed at all. It is a time when caution is needed more than ever."
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