"The Reason COVID Cases Don't Decrease, the Public Knows" Petition Appears at Cheong

"Despite Government Recommendations, Confirmed Cases Increase... What Is the Use of Level 2.5?"

Photo by Cheongwadae National Petition Board capture.

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Amid the rapid spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), a petition criticizing the government's recent quarantine measures has gained attention. The petitioner argued, "Even if vaccines are distributed, the pain of self-employed workers will not decrease," and urged for stronger quarantine measures.

On the 14th, a petition titled "The reason why confirmed cases are not decreasing is known by the people" was posted on the Blue House National Petition Board. As of 7:40 PM on the 16th, the petition had received over 2,560 endorsements.

The petitioner opened by saying, "What achievements have there been from the number game quarantine guidelines that restarted last September and again in November?" and "Is this the only result of these quarantine guidelines that have drained the bones and flesh of self-employed workers?"

He continued, "Despite the government's strong recommendations, confirmed cases keep increasing?does only the government not know the reason?" and criticized, "Did they think that cracking down on karaoke rooms, clubs, and cafes would make young people scared and trembling, staying locked up at home?"

He raised his voice, saying, "(Citizens) gather at fast food restaurants, in single-person rooms, motels, year-end party rooms, ski resorts, and study cafes?what use are level 2 or 2.5 social distancing measures?"

Furthermore, the petitioner said, "This is not pinpoint quarantine but no different from the 1970s and 1980s student supervisor crackdowns caused by improper administrative classification," and pointed out, "Self-employed workers caught in the government's so-called pinpoint measures are enduring with their souls bled dry, while industries that slipped through government student supervisor-like guidelines are enjoying a balloon effect boom."

He added, "It's not about jealousy. If sacrifices could reduce confirmed cases, I would sacrifice as much as needed," but he sharply criticized, "Seeing the results of student supervisor-like guidelines, it feels futile to sacrifice, which is frustrating."

The petitioner also emphasized, "Self-employed workers can no longer endure, and if they collapse, next will be landlords, and then finance," and warned, "They probably won't survive December, and even if vaccines and treatments are released, the debts and hardships of self-employed workers who have already collapsed and those with bad credit will not be easily resolved."

In conclusion, he pleaded, "Please stop the futile measures like the 1970s and 1980s student supervisor crackdowns and close all gathering spaces except for the essentials of food, clothing, and shelter where people need to live."

Meanwhile, the government is reportedly considering raising social distancing to level 3. Level 3 social distancing is applied when the average daily number of locally transmitted cases exceeds 800 to 1,000 for one week or when there is a rapid increase such as doubling at level 2.5.

If level 3 social distancing is implemented, gatherings and events of 10 or more people and sports games will be completely banned. Social welfare facilities such as daycare centers will close, and schools will switch to remote learning. Workplaces must mandate telecommuting except for essential personnel.