Health Authorities Urge "Cancellation of All Gatherings and Appointments Until Year-End"

"Too Early to Judge the Effectiveness of Social Distancing Enhancement"

Novel Coronavirus Infection (COVID-19) Screening Clinic [Image Source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Jo] On the 28th, the quarantine authorities repeatedly emphasized that, to curb the third wave of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in South Korea, all gatherings and appointments should be canceled as much as possible until the end of the year.

Im Suk-young, the Situation General Manager of the Central Disease Control Headquarters, stressed at the regular COVID-19 briefing that "Now is a critical moment to temporarily stop daily life and focus on quarantine measures for the safety of family, neighbors, and the peace of mind of college entrance exam candidates." He said, "Until the effects of 'social distancing' appear, the current level of case numbers will continue for the time being," adding, "It is only possible to reverse the situation if the public voluntarily reduces risky behaviors one by one." He further requested, "Please cancel all gatherings and appointments as much as possible until the end of the year," and emphasized, "Especially meals and company dinners carry a high risk of infection transmission, so it is advisable to refrain from them. Also, please convert or cancel religious events, appointments, and gatherings this weekend to non-face-to-face formats."

Regarding the recent decrease in daily new confirmed cases over the past two days, Im said it is too early to conclude that the effect of raising social distancing levels has taken place. The daily new confirmed cases have remained in the 500s for three days from the 26th (581 → 555 → 504), but the scale is decreasing. He explained, "Many discussions are ongoing within the government, and the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters will make the final decision tomorrow."

The quarantine authorities are currently consulting with the medical community on specific measures to prepare for cases requiring self-treatment due to the rapid spread of COVID-19. Self-treatment is a method of managing symptoms in isolation at home without going to hospitals or facilities. It is widely used overseas and the legal basis for its implementation has been established domestically as well. Im explained, "Self-treatment is expected to be introduced when there is a surge in confirmed cases and concerns about hospital bed shortages," adding, "We are reviewing a system where city, county, and district public health centers monitor young asymptomatic or mild patients and are responsible for hospital transfer if symptoms worsen."