Request for Cooperation on the First Day of Chuseok Special Quarantine Period... Indicates Strict Response to Gatherings Related to Gaecheonjeol
[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jung] On the first day of the Chuseok special quarantine period, the government appealed for the cooperation of the public on the 28th. This is because the quarantine management during the Chuseok and Hangeul Day holidays could determine the pattern of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak this fall and winter.
Son Young-rae, head of the Strategic Planning Division at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters, stated at the regular briefing on the 28th, "The average daily number of domestic cases over the past two weeks was about 92, which is a significant decrease compared to about 177 cases in the previous two weeks," adding, "However, cluster infections continue to occur in everyday places such as door-to-door sales, workplaces, and hospitals."
Son emphasized, "The proportion of cases under investigation for infection routes is in the 20% range, and the management rate within the quarantine network is low, so it is not a situation to be complacent about," and added, "Quarantine management during the Chuseok holiday is becoming more important than ever."
Accordingly, the government decided to maintain the core measures of nationwide social distancing level 2 but implement quarantine measures considering the risk level by facility and region.
Indoor events with more than 50 people and outdoor events with more than 100 people, such as village festivals or local celebrations, are prohibited, and key quarantine rules such as wearing masks must continue to be observed in multi-use facilities like bathhouses, academies, and arcades. Indoor national and public facilities with excellent quarantine management, such as art galleries, museums, and libraries, will resume operations. However, the number of users will be limited to less than half.
Quarantine inspections will also be strengthened for markets, marts, department stores, and tourist spots where large crowds are likely to gather. In the metropolitan area, the ban on gatherings at 11 types of high-risk facilities, including entertainment bars, will be maintained, and quarantine measures for restaurants, cafes, theaters, and other places for dining and leisure will be strengthened.
In non-metropolitan areas, clubs, entertainment bars, and five types of entertainment facilities, as well as door-to-door sales promotional centers, will be banned from gathering for two weeks until October 11.
The government also decided to respond strictly to rallies related to Gaecheonjeol (National Foundation Day). Large-scale rallies involve many people gathering simultaneously in one place, shouting slogans, singing, and other activities that release droplets, posing a very high risk of infection spread and transmission.
Son explained, "As about 600 confirmed cases have resulted from the Seoul city center rally on Liberation Day, the social cost has been enormous," and added, "Among the reported rallies in Seoul on October 3, Gaecheonjeol, 137 rallies involving 10 or more people or held in prohibited areas have already been notified of prohibition."
He continued, "We strongly warn groups intending to proceed with Gaecheonjeol rallies once again," and stated, "If rallies are forcibly held, the government will promptly proceed with dispersal procedures, and strict measures such as arresting offenders on the spot will be taken against illegal violent acts occurring during non-compliance."
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