Gangneung-si, "Maintain Social Distancing Level 3 for the Time Being"... Concerns Over Cluster Infections

"Link of COVID-19 Cases Continues Mainly Among Foreign Workers and Vulnerable Areas"

Archive photo [Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ra Young-cheol] Gangneung City has decided to maintain social distancing level 3 for the time being, even if concerns about the spread of COVID-19 are low.

Gangneung City stated on the 2nd at midnight, "A total of 132 confirmed COVID-19 cases occurred in the past week, but since the risk of widespread community transmission within the scope of epidemiological investigation is low, we plan to monitor future trends."

According to the city, infections in facilities used by unspecified many people, such as foreign workers (workers, family, acquaintances) accounting for 42%, and self-quarantine cases accounting for 33%, have decreased over the past week.

However, as confirmed case links continue mainly among foreign workers and vulnerable areas, and many tourists are expected to visit during the main vacation period, the risk of cluster outbreaks remains high.

Earlier, on the 1st, the city imposed a fine of 1.5 million won and a 10-day suspension order on a large hotel that violated quarantine rules by holding a pool party within the accommodation facility, in accordance with relevant laws.

According to infectious disease-related laws, the first violation results in a 10-day suspension, the second in 20 days, the third in 3 months, and the fourth or more leads to closure orders.

Mayor Kim Han-geun said, "We have faced many difficulties fighting COVID-19 for over a year, but with the patience of citizens and the sacrifices of medical staff and public officials, let us overcome the final hurdle together."