Medical Groups: "The Enemy of Quarantine is Apathy... Stop Discriminating Against COVID-19 Patients"

A banner announcing the "Emergency Pause Period for Ten Million Citizens" is hung on the exterior wall of Seoul Library in Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] The Korean Medical Association recently emphasized the need to "awaken the complacent vigilance and thoroughly practice personal quarantine and social distancing" in response to the recent increase in COVID-19 cases.

In a public recommendation issued on the 27th, the association pointed out, "The greatest enemy of COVID-19 prevention is the 'insensitivity' that has taken root in our minds," adding, "The thirst for meetings, gatherings, and social interactions that have been restrained so far is leading to recklessness and safety insensitivity, coinciding with the year-end season."

They urged that just as in March, when the virus was not well understood but the crisis was overcome through distancing, this time as well, quarantine rules such as distancing, mask-wearing, and hand hygiene must be strictly followed. The association stressed, "As members of this society, we must take responsibility for each other and protect one another," and emphasized, "Protection and consideration for the elderly, chronic patients, and socially vulnerable groups who are highly likely to suffer severe damage from COVID-19 infection are absolutely necessary."

They also expressed concern over the increasing stigma and unfair treatment of those infected with COVID-19. Regarding the recent case of a test-taker who lost the opportunity to take the civil service exam due to COVID-19 infection, they expressed regret and emphasized, "The government and society must be prepared for the predictable damages that individuals may suffer due to sudden infection." Below is the full text of the recommendation.

Choi Dae-jip, President of the Korean Medical Association

Korean Medical Association COVID-19 Related Recommendation

The hectic year of 2020, which began with the sudden outbreak of the novel infectious disease COVID-19, is now drawing to a close. There was an explosive spread of infection in Daegu and Gyeongbuk over a short period, and since then, various large and small cluster infections have continued. However, thanks to the high civic awareness of the public, voluntary social distancing, and active mask-wearing, our daily lives have been maintained.

Nevertheless, the recent sharp increase in daily confirmed cases has deepened concerns about nationwide COVID-19 spread. Especially with the year-end season, when social interactions inevitably increase, combined with the cold and dry winter season, the threat of infection spread is higher than ever.

At this time, the Korean Medical Association wants to inform the public that the greatest enemy of COVID-19 prevention is the 'COVID-19 insensitivity' that has quietly taken root in our minds. We are exhausted from a year-long continuation of quarantine. Our experience that many cases are asymptomatic or mild has led to complacency. The thirst for meetings, gatherings, and social interactions, which we have restrained so far, is now leading to recklessness and safety insensitivity, coinciding with the year-end season.

Last March, the Korean Medical Association recommended that the public stay home for a week during the first week of March, as if a heavy snowstorm was falling. At that time, when there was great concern about nationwide infection spread, we overcame the crisis wisely through active social distancing. Now is the time to revive that experience. Please return to that period when we did not know much about COVID-19 and were more cautious than ever, and strictly observe hand hygiene, mask-wearing, and social distancing.

Of course, our lives must continue. Essential social and economic functions for maintaining our society, the studies of students who are our future, and the minimum activities for everyone's livelihood must be maintained under thorough quarantine. Therefore, as members of this society, we must take responsibility for each other and protect one another.

In particular, protection and consideration for the elderly, chronic patients, and socially vulnerable groups who are highly likely to suffer severe damage from COVID-19 infection are absolutely necessary. Young and healthy citizens must protect them, and the best way to do so is to thoroughly practice social distancing.

Meanwhile, while we must take responsibility for each other and do our best to reduce any possible infection spread, those infected with COVID-19 should not be held responsible or treated as criminals. In fact, infected individuals may be innocent victims and have the right to receive sufficient treatment and return to society without any social pressure or prejudice.

The Korean Medical Association expresses serious concern over the growing 'COVID-19 infection stigma,' such as disciplinary actions against infected employees in local governments and public institutions or unfair treatment due to infection. Patients are not criminals.

We also deeply regret the recent cases of civil service exam candidates who lost their eligibility to take exams due to COVID-19 infection after long preparation. In a situation where it is difficult to imagine a world without COVID-19 for the time being, no one can exclude the possibility of infection, and the government and society must be prepared for the predictable damages individuals may suffer due to sudden infection. That is the reason for the existence of the state.

Dear citizens, please pay more attention to mask-wearing and hand hygiene. Refrain from unnecessary outings or gatherings and maintain social distance from each other. Maintain vigilance against COVID-19, but reduce hostile views toward those infected and allow patients to receive sufficient treatment and return without prejudice or discrimination.

The Korean Medical Association will stand with the public on the front lines of the fight against disease until the day we overcome COVID-19. Thank you.