COVID-19 Spread Nears '4th Major Wave' Entry
KDCA: "Daily Cases May Rise to 1,500-2,000"
'No Mask' Citizens Persist... Public Frowns
Government Repeatedly Urges Compliance with Prevention Rules
As COVID-19 cases surge recently, conflicts are deepening as there are still 'No Mask' citizens who do not wear masks. Photo by Asia Economy DB
[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] "There are still many people not wearing masks." "We should not cause harm to others."
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases is rapidly increasing. Some even say we have effectively entered the '4th wave.' However, there are still some who do not wear masks or even get into arguments with those who point it out, raising concerns that the spread of COVID-19 might intensify. Citizens are beyond disbelief and are now expressing frustration. The government has repeatedly urged compliance with quarantine rules amid this COVID-19 surge.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) Central Disease Control Headquarters (CDCH) expressed concern on the 7th that the daily number of COVID-19 confirmed cases could increase from 1,500 to 2,000.
Park Young-jun, head of the CDCH epidemiological investigation team, said at a briefing that "If the number of confirmed cases remains in the 1,000 range, it could soon rise to 1,250, 1,500, or even 2,000," adding, "If quarantine rules are not properly followed and complacency sets in, reaching 2,000 cases is always possible." The CDCH analyzed that COVID-19 is entering the 4th wave, mainly centered in the metropolitan area. As of midnight on the 7th, the new confirmed cases were 1,212.
The issue lies in whether quarantine rules are being followed. The most basic and best measure during the COVID-19 spread phase is wearing masks. However, not only are there citizens who do not properly comply, but disputes even arise over this. This is why criticism of complacent citizen awareness is emerging.
Kim, a man in his 30s working at a company, said, "It's absurd to see people not wearing masks, especially now that COVID-19 variants have emerged," pointing out, "If you don't wear a mask, you put yourself, your family, friends, and coworkers at risk." He added, "Please, just wear a mask."
Another office worker in his 40s, Park, also emphasized, "Wearing a mask or not might be a personal choice, but what about the harm it causes?" He stressed, "I hope fines or penalties for violating quarantine rules are enforced more strictly."
A CCTV scene capturing a customer assaulting a convenience store owner after being asked to wear a mask. Photo by Online Community
As citizens worry, 'no-mask' disputes are still occurring. On the 5th, a post titled "Currently filing complaints against no-mask troublemakers" was uploaded on an online community.
The author, A, who identified himself as a convenience store owner, said, "I urged a drunken customer not wearing a mask to put one on," and described the tense situation, "The customer said, 'I don't have a mask, but I will buy one.'
According to A, even after purchasing a mask, the customer only hung it on his hand without wearing it. A said, "I asked him to wear it quickly since there were other customers," but the customer responded with harsh words like, "Who are you to tell me what to do, you XX," and "Are you the boss?"
When the store owner tried to call the police, the customer slapped him and punched his jaw. The assault was captured on the CCTV footage released by A. A said, "The customer even came with a knife and threatened to kill me. When the police arrived and took him to the police station, he shouted, 'There will be a murder, so be aware of that,'" adding, "I plan to file a complaint for assault and violation of quarantine laws."
Meanwhile, small business owners are also sighing deeply. Park, a self-employed man in his 50s running a restaurant in a busy area of Seoul, shook his head, saying, "I thought we barely got through COVID-19, but how can this happen again?" He continued, "This is basically telling us to close our businesses," and lamented, "At this age, what else can I do? It's really hopeless."
As citizens' anxiety and concerns about the COVID-19 spread deepen, the government has effectively mentioned entering the '4th wave.' The CDCH analyzed that the weekly average number of confirmed cases has been increasing by 10% over the past four weeks, indicating the stage of entering a new wave.
Background Taek, head of the CDCH situation management team, said, "The weekly average number of confirmed cases has increased by 10% over the past four weeks," adding, "We believe we are entering a new wave." He further analyzed, "More than 82% of confirmed cases are from the metropolitan area, so attention and measures are necessary," and "While new infections among those aged 60 and above are decreasing, confirmed cases among people in their 20s and 30s are increasing."
Meanwhile, on the 4th, the government announced that it would implement strong measures regarding the current COVID-19 surge. First, in the metropolitan area, even vaccinated people must wear masks both indoors and outdoors. Also, after 10 p.m., drinking alcohol is prohibited outdoors in places where many people gather, such as parks and riversides.
Additionally, the government once again emphasized compliance with quarantine rules. Head Bae said, "If you have been in crowded places with others, regardless of symptoms, you should visit a nearby screening clinic for testing," explaining, "The government and Seoul city are preparing to add more screening clinics." He also urged, "Employees working in public institutions should refrain from gatherings and dinners for the time being, and workplaces in the metropolitan area should expand remote work as much as possible."
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