[On-site Video] "If Only COVID-19 Disappeared..." Unprecedented 'Social Distancing Level 4'... Citizens' Reactions

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon, PD Yoon Jin-geun] "Strengthening social distancing is inevitable."

As the number of new COVID-19 cases exceeded 1,100 for three consecutive days, Level 4 social distancing will be applied for the first time in the metropolitan area.

The government held a Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters meeting chaired by Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum on the 9th and announced that Level 4 social distancing will be applied in the metropolitan area for two weeks starting from the 12th.

Under Level 4 social distancing, private gatherings are limited to 2 people after 6 p.m. and up to 4 people before 6 p.m. Assemblies and events, except for one-person protests, are completely banned, and only relatives can attend weddings and funerals. Multi-use facilities are limited to one person per 8 square meters and 30% to 50% seating capacity, and usage is prohibited from 10 p.m.

Citizens expressed various opinions regarding the government's policy. Some pointed out that the response was already late, while others viewed it as the best measure.

A man in his 20s, office worker A, said, "I heard that the number of COVID-19 cases is at an all-time high," adding, "I don't think the government's response is excessive." He continued, "However, isn't this too much of a reactive measure? Wasn't raising the social distancing level delayed?"

He also emphasized, "Everyone is struggling a lot because of COVID-19 right now," and "I hope COVID-19 disappears quickly so that we can freely enjoy nights without masks and revitalize the economy."

A man in his 50s, company employee B, said about the application of Level 4 social distancing, "From the perspective of ordinary citizens and self-employed people, it seems excessive, but (excessive private gatherings) are also a problem among ordinary citizens."

He added, "It must be ambiguous from the government's standpoint," and "Listening to the voices of self-employed people, some easing is needed, but people do not cooperate well with the government's policies or requests, isn't that so?"

A man in his late 20s, C, responded positively to the Level 4 application. He said, "Since the number of confirmed cases has suddenly surged recently, I think it is right for the government to take the strongest measures possible to prevent further spread."

He continued, "Since people in their 20s and 30s are the generation most active in social life, I think it is right for them to get vaccinated first, and that will help end COVID-19 quickly."