Jung Sye-kyun "COVID-19 Cases Over 500 for Two Consecutive Days... Please Refrain from Gatherings and Dinners"
Jeju Sees More Tourists Despite COVID-19 Spread
Experts "Higher Risk of COVID-19 Outbreak in Winter... Personal Hygiene Must Be Strictly Followed"
Tourists wearing masks leaving Jeju Airport. The photo is unrelated to specific expressions in the article. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] "I already booked the plane tickets, so there's nothing I can do."
Despite the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), some citizens are planning trips, which has become a social issue. In particular, as air routes have been blocked due to the impact of COVID-19, tourists seem to be flocking to Jeju Island, a domestic travel destination.
Some criticize that traveling is inappropriate amid ongoing cluster infections in everyday settings such as family gatherings and meetings among acquaintances.Experts emphasize adherence to personal quarantine rules, stating that outdoor areas are not free from COVID-19 risks just like indoor spaces.
On the 27th, the government urged people to cancel meetings and appointments for the time being and to refrain from using multi-use facilities.
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters meeting held at the Government Seoul Office on the same day, "The number of daily confirmed COVID-19 cases has exceeded 500 for two consecutive days, indicating that the resurgence is becoming full-fledged domestically," adding, "If we fail to stop the current spread, experts' concerns that the number of confirmed cases could rise to 1,000 per day will become a reality, and we could face a critical crisis phase following the footsteps of the global pandemic experienced by many countries."
Prime Minister Chung continued, "I appeal to the public to stay at home as much as possible and to minimize contact with others through gatherings or dinners."
Despite the situation, some citizens are reluctant to cancel their travel plans. Kim (27), an office worker who booked a flight to Jeju in early December, said, "I decided to travel to Jeju with acquaintances. We have already booked the accommodation," adding, "I want to cancel the trip because I feel uneasy, but my acquaintances say nothing. Rather, everyone seems busy planning the trip."
He added, "I don't know what to do. When I decided to travel, it didn't seem like COVID-19 would end easily, and I wanted to go because I felt frustrated, but now, given the timing, it seems risky. However, if I say we shouldn't travel now, I worry it might strain my relationships with my acquaintances."
The number of tourists visiting Jeju Island in November was not insignificant. According to the Jeju Tourism Association, as of the 22nd, the number of domestic tourists to Jeju in November was 888,138. This is 0.9% higher than the 880,426 recorded during the same period last year. In other words, due to the impact of COVID-19 blocking air routes, the number of tourists visiting Jeju has increased.
The problem is that with concerns about the 'third wave' of COVID-19, adherence to quarantine guidelines such as refraining from going out is more urgent than ever. Especially when visiting crowded travel destinations, there is a high possibility that social distancing and other quarantine rules will not be observed.
In fact, Jeju maintained zero confirmed cases throughout October, but starting with the 60th confirmed case on the 3rd, 16 people have tested positive consecutively. As of 10 a.m. on the 27th, the total number of confirmed cases in Jeju is 76.
As a result, there are many voices criticizing travelers. Kim (26), an office worker who identified himself as a Jeju resident, said, "What kind of travel are you talking about in this situation? Tourists are spreading the virus everywhere. Do tourists think Jeju is a COVID-free zone?" He lamented, "All the residents worked hard so that there were no confirmed cases last month, but tourists are making our efforts go to waste."
Experts express concern that the number of confirmed cases will continue to rise for some time as winter begins and emphasize adherence to personal quarantine guidelines.
Professor Kim Woo-joo, an infectious disease specialist at Korea University Guro Hospital, said, "When the temperature drops and it becomes dry, the virus's survival ability strengthens. Also, as it gets colder, more people gather indoors. The risk of being in a so-called '3C environment' increases," analyzing, "Even indoors, people often do not ventilate because of the cold. In other words, due to climatic factors, human behavior, and ventilation factors, the risk of COVID-19 increases in winter."
He added, "It cannot be conclusively said that 'outdoors are safe and indoors are dangerous,'" urging, "It is important to strictly follow personal quarantine rules such as social distancing and wearing masks."
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