COVID-19 Cases Remain in 500s for Two Consecutive Days
Some Citizens Say "It's Just Me"... 'Tukseukeu' Still Common
Indifference Persists Despite COVID-19 Spread
Citizens Urge "Don't Harm Others"
As COVID-19 continues to spread daily, some citizens are still wearing masks below their chins, so-called 'chokseukeu,' causing ongoing public dissatisfaction. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] "You must wear a mask outside. How can you still wear it under your chin?"
On the 26th, the number of new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in South Korea exceeded 500. The Central Disease Control Headquarters announced that as of midnight on that day, 583 new COVID-19 cases were confirmed, bringing the total to 32,318. This is an increase of 201 cases compared to the previous day (382 cases). Among experts, there is even talk that "it would not be surprising if anyone gets infected."
The problem is that despite the urgent situation, there are still citizens showing 'COVID-19 insensitivity.' On crowded public transportation, some people wear masks under their chins, so-called 'teokseukeu' (mask worn under the chin), or lower their masks below their noses, called 'koseukeu,' threatening others' safety for their own convenience.
Such 'teokseukeu' situations are occurring nationwide. Moreover, various disputes over 'teokseukeu' have arisen, increasing not only fatigue during the COVID-19 spread phase but also anxiety that infectious diseases might spread further.
◆ "Please wear your mask properly" Dispute over 'teokseukeu' at a cafe... Turns out to be a public official
Recently, at a cafe in Dangjin, Chungnam Province, a dispute occurred between a customer wearing a 'teokseukeu' and the owner. According to Dangjin City, on the 20th around 5 p.m., the owner of a cafe in Wondang-dong requested Mr. A, who entered with his mask lowered to his chin ('teokseukeu'), to "please wear your mask properly." However, Mr. A reportedly did not comply with the owner's request.
Mr. A reportedly said to the owner, "I have rhinitis, so what if I die wearing a mask? I came from Gangwon-do, so I don't have to follow the mask guidelines here." The incident was recorded on the cafe's closed-circuit television (CCTV).
Meanwhile, Mr. A was identified as a public official working at Dangjin City Hall. He explained, "The owner seems to have misunderstood the situation somewhat," adding, "I have rhinitis in my nose, and the mask kept slipping down unconsciously. I only said that I had been on a business trip to Gangwon-do."
The city is currently requesting the cafe owner’s CCTV footage and has launched an investigation. Kim Hong-jang, mayor of Dangjin, ordered, "Conduct a thorough investigation and establish measures to prevent recurrence."
◆ "Who are you to tell me to wear a mask?" 'Teokseukeu' on the subway
Meanwhile, an incident occurred on a train heading to Sapyeong Station in Seocho-gu, Seoul, where a citizen who asked others to wear masks properly was assaulted.
According to media reports, around 9:30 p.m. the previous day, on a train entering Sapyeong Station on Subway Line 9, Mr. B asked men who were not wearing masks properly to "please wear your masks properly." They responded with harsh insults and protests.
Mr. B recounted, "When I spoke to the men who were wearing 'teokseukeu' and talking loudly, they immediately responded with harsh insults, saying, 'Who are you to tell us to wear masks?'" He added, "One man took off my mask, and another grabbed me by the collar."
When the train arrived at Sapyeong Station, the men tried to drag Mr. B out. Two other passengers intervened to stop them, but the men assaulted them as well and blocked the train doors with their feet for a while, preventing the subway from departing.
◆ No gaps between face and mask... 'Teokseukeu' is worse than not wearing a mask
As some citizens continue to cause inconvenience by not wearing masks properly, such as 'teokseukeu,' research shows that wearing masks improperly like 'teokseukeu' or 'koseukeu' cannot protect oneself safely during the COVID-19 spread phase. It can also negatively affect not only the wearer but also those around them.
In August, researchers at the University of North Carolina in the United States released a study analyzing the transmission routes of the COVID-19 virus through thermal imaging, confirming that the nose is the most vulnerable area to the virus. They emphasized that exhaled particles capable of transmission may be more numerous through the nose than the mouth.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explained in official guidance that the key to wearing a mask is to cover the nose, mouth, and chin completely. The CDC specifically cited actions such as wearing a mask around the neck as examples to avoid. Wearing a mask on the chin, exposing the nose and mouth ('teokseukeu'), does not help prevent COVID-19 at all.
Additionally, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency's Central Disease Control Headquarters urged in July that exposing the nose while only covering the mouth with a mask can allow droplets to escape through the nose and the virus to enter, so there should be no gaps between the face and the mask.
◆ "Don't harm others" Citizens express frustration
Given the situation, citizens are voicing that they cannot understand people who do not wear masks properly, such as 'teokseukeu.'
Kim, a company employee in his 30s, said, "(Because of COVID-19) not only is the person at risk, but they can also infect their family and acquaintances," adding, "In these days when hundreds of cases are confirmed overnight, 'teokseukeu' is like saying let's all get COVID-19 together."
Another office worker in his 40s, Park, said, "Recently, I saw someone wearing 'teokseukeu' on the street, so I deliberately avoided them," and criticized, "I don't understand what they are thinking wearing 'teokseukeu' or not wearing a mask at all in this situation." He added, "Wearing a mask after getting COVID-19 is too late. We must prevent it well and not harm others."
The health authorities repeatedly urged compliance with quarantine rules, warning that careless attitudes can lead to the spread of infection.
Park Neung-hoo, 1st Deputy Head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (Minister of Health and Welfare), warned in his opening remarks at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting on the 26th, "The attitude of 'It's just me' can lead not only to my infection but also to that of my family, acquaintances, and colleagues."
Deputy Head Park also pointed out, "At a time when the third wave is increasing in scale and speed, more thorough social distancing is urgently needed," adding, "Many citizens are refraining from meetings and contacts and participating in distancing, but group infections linked to entertainment bars or group trips are still occurring."
Deputy Head Park urged, "For the life and health of my family, neighbors, and our community, I ask once again to practice the three most important quarantine rules: cancel all gatherings and appointments until the spread subsides; avoid visiting closed, crowded, and close-contact places; wear masks properly and maintain distancing; ventilate regularly at least three times a day. Since many infections are asymptomatic, even without symptoms, if you suspect infection, please get tested immediately at the nearest screening clinic."
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