COVID-19 Cases Back to 300s... Confusion on the Ground Amid Strengthened Guidelines

Private Companies Handling Public Projects Face Difficulties
Work Disruptions Inevitable Due to Expanded Telecommuting of Public Officials

With the 'Social Distancing' in the Seoul metropolitan area elevated to Level 2 starting at midnight on the 24th, quarantine measures have been significantly strengthened, especially in multi-use facilities. Separately, the Seoul Metropolitan Government declared a 'Pause Period for 10 Million Citizens' until the end of the year, introducing measures such as enhanced Seoul-style precision quarantine for 10 major facilities within the city, a complete ban on gatherings of more than 10 people throughout Seoul, and a 20% reduction in public transportation operations after 10 p.m. The photo shows a 'Pause for a Moment' campaign notice posted at a bus stop in downtown Seoul on the same day. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporters Seo So-jeong, Lee Seon-ae] "We are working on government agencies and public projects, but since there are penalties if deadlines are missed, we have no choice but to hold meetings."

On the 24th, when social distancing level 2 was implemented in the metropolitan area, some sites expressed difficulties due to the strengthened quarantine guidelines. A private company working on a public project under a quasi-governmental agency under the Ministry of Science and ICT is facing setbacks as public institutions have proactively implemented one-third remote work and banned face-to-face meetings starting from the 23rd.

An official from the company said, "We fully agree with the necessity of strengthened quarantine measures due to the spread of COVID-19, but it is practically difficult to apply them. Due to the nature of the project work, we have to keep meeting, so instead of remote work, we are continuing to hold meetings this week as well."

Private Companies Sigh, "Public Projects Due by Year-End"
Criminal Cases Unable to Work Remotely, Courts Increasingly Need Electronic Litigation

Public projects or research report submissions usually have contract periods set based on the end of the year, and penalties are imposed if deadlines are missed, which is increasing difficulties for subcontractors. A small business official added, "If there could be considerations such as deadline extensions for those working together when work disruptions are inevitable due to expanded remote work for public officials, it would be appreciated."

There are also tasks where remote work is realistically difficult. Although the Court Administration Office recommended expanding remote work and staggered commuting for employees the day before, remote work is virtually impossible for criminal trial divisions where electronic litigation has not been fully implemented. Criminal litigation requires caution due to concerns about criminal justice information and personal data leakage, and the case records are extensive, making remote work difficult. A court official said, "With the working environment changing due to COVID-19 and criminal electronic litigation enabling rapid access to case records, which contributes to protecting the basic rights of suspects and defendants, it is time to actively consider introducing electronic litigation."

Operators of multi-use facilities who must comply with strengthened quarantine measures are also facing difficulties. Under social distancing level 2, restaurants can only offer takeout and delivery after 9 p.m., and cafes are only allowed takeout and delivery all day. As business hours and types vary by industry, many inquiries have been made by owners regarding the operation methods of coffee shops or brunch cafes registered as 'general restaurants' on their business registration certificates. The Ministry of Health and Welfare explained, "Franchise-type cafes, bakeries, and snack bars that mainly sell coffee beverages are regarded as cafes, and local governments have been guided to allow only takeout and delivery during all business hours."

On the 23rd, one day before the implementation of Social Distancing Level 2, an employee at a coffee specialty store in Seoul is organizing tables to comply with social distancing measures. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

Karaoke "Ban After 9 p.m. Is Virtually a Business Ban"
PC Rooms "More Than Half of Sales Are Food"…Direct Hit

Karaoke businesses, which must stop operations after 9 p.m., are severely impacted. Kim, who runs a karaoke in Gangdong-gu, Seoul, said, "Most users visit karaoke after dinner, so the ban on operations after 9 p.m. is no different from a total ban," expressing frustration. PC rooms, where food consumption is restricted, are hit hard in sales. Kang, who operates a PC room in Hongdae, said, "More than half of PC room sales come from food and beverages, so the restriction on food consumption will cause significant losses." Kim, in his 20s, who recently opened a cafe in Gwanghwamun after struggling to find a job, said, "I feel helpless as delivery is not feasible."

Operators of multi-use facilities who must limit the number of people based on facility size are also facing great difficulties. Under level 2, academies and private institutes are prohibited from food consumption and must choose either to limit the number of people to one per 8㎡ or to stop operations after 9 p.m. Kim, who runs an English academy in Mapo-gu, Seoul, said, "It means one person in a space of about 2 pyeong (approximately 6.6㎡), and it is not easy to limit and manage the number of students according to the space." At schools, the application of level 2 has limited the number of school days, increasing difficulties for parents regarding their children's commuting.

Meanwhile, the number of new COVID-19 confirmed cases rose back to the 300s at 349 on the day. The number of domestic cases was 320, an increase of 65 from the previous day (255), marking the highest since three days ago on the 21st (361). Professor Kim Woo-joo of the Department of Infectious Diseases at Korea University Guro Hospital said, "With the recent surge in confirmed cases and calls for early elevation to level 2 across various sectors of society, the government should prepare thoroughly, including giving prior notice to multi-use facilities."