New COVID-19 Cases Rise Again to 400s... Concerns Over Major Crisis Due to Increased Travel During Seol Holiday

On the 10th, New COVID-19 Cases Rise Again to Over 400
Increased Movement of Travelers During Seol Holiday... Spread of Infection Concerns
Experts: "Last Hurdle Before Vaccination, Must Overcome Wisely"

The number of new domestic COVID-19 cases, which had shown a calming trend, rose again to the 400s on the 10th, ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday, showing signs of an increase.
Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] Although the domestic COVID-19 'third wave' showed signs of subsiding, the number of new confirmed cases rose to the mid-400s on the 10th, indicating signs of another spread of COVID-19. In particular, concerns have been raised that the increase in outdoor movement during the Seollal holiday could potentially trigger a nationwide resurgence. Experts have urged strict adherence to daily quarantine rules during the Seollal holiday period.

According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters (CDCH), as of midnight on the day, the number of new domestic COVID-19 cases was recorded at 444. This is an increase of 141 cases compared to the previous day's 303. It rose back to the 400s for the first time in six days since the 4th (451 cases).

The number of new confirmed cases over the past week was 451 → 370 → 393 → 371 → 289 → 303 → 444 daily. Although it dropped to the high 200s over the past weekend, it is showing a gradual increase again.

Especially in the metropolitan area, sporadic infections continue to occur in various everyday facilities such as religious facilities, academies, and dance halls, raising concerns about a resurgence.

Additionally, the number of cases infected with the 'variant virus' imported from overseas is rapidly increasing. The number of variant virus infections increased by 26 in one day, bringing the total to 80. Among the 26 new variant virus infections, 22 were identified as cases imported from overseas.

On the morning of the 10th, one day before the Lunar New Year holiday, the domestic terminal of Gimpo Airport in Gangseo-gu, Seoul is bustling with travelers and people returning to their hometowns.
Photo by Yonhap News

As a result, some are concerned that the increase in movement during the Seollal holiday (February 11?14) could lead to another large-scale spread of COVID-19.

Although the government recommended refraining from travel during this Seollal holiday to prevent the spread of COVID-19, some citizens were found to be visiting major domestic travel destinations such as Jeju and Gangwon instead of their hometowns.

The Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Tourism Association Comprehensive Tourism Information Center expects a total of 143,000 tourists to visit Jeju Island from the 10th to the 14th. It forecasted 36,000 visitors on the 10th, 35,000 on the 11th, 26,000 on the 12th, 20,000 on the 13th, and 26,000 on the 14th.

Also, according to the lodging industry, large resorts and hotels in the Gangwon-do area showed a reservation rate of over 60% during the Seollal holiday period. Considering that only two-thirds of large hotel rooms can be booked under the non-metropolitan social distancing level 2 guidelines, this effectively means full occupancy.

The quarantine authorities repeatedly emphasized the need to refrain from visiting relatives and traveling and to strictly follow personal quarantine rules.

Jung Eun-kyung, head of the CDCH, said in a briefing on the 8th, "This week is especially important as it marks the start of the Seollal holiday. There are concerns that COVID-19 could spread from the metropolitan area to non-metropolitan areas and from young and middle-aged groups to the elderly through meetings among family and acquaintances and regional movement during the holiday."

She continued, "If you must visit your hometown, always wear a mask, keep your stay as short as possible, strictly follow quarantine rules such as hand washing, and if you have suspicious symptoms, do not visit family or acquaintances and get tested immediately."

Experts emphasized that the Seollal holiday period is the last hurdle before vaccination, and compliance with government quarantine guidelines such as social distancing and restrictions on private gatherings is most important.

Professor Choi Jae-wook of the Department of Preventive Medicine at Korea University Medical School said in an interview with JTBC's 'Social Live Evening' on the 3rd, "Although vaccination is imminent, the last hurdle is this Seollal holiday period," adding, "During this period, maintaining social distancing at level 2.5, restricting private gatherings to no more than five people, and prohibiting movement must be strictly observed."

Professor Choi added, "However, it is difficult to enforce or monitor gatherings of more than five people within households. In that regard, it is desirable for the government to seek cooperation from the public and encourage participation. Although inconvenient, I hope the public understands and participates in this spirit during this holiday period."