[Desk Column] Social Distancing Again?

"We had just barely restored our sales to normal, and now they say 'social distancing' again. Our hope has vanished once more."

Self-employed business owners who endured long-term business restrictions due to COVID-19 are sighing deeply. The government's COVID-19 'gradual recovery to daily life (With Corona)' measures, which began on the 1st of last month, ended after five weeks. The government decided to effectively return to level 4 'social distancing' due to a surge in confirmed cases and the domestic arrival of the Omicron variant.

Before the Omicron variant landed in Korea, the government repeatedly stated that there would be no rollback of the gradual recovery to daily life. President Moon Jae-in, four days earlier on the 29th of last month, said, "While postponing the transition to recovery phase 2, we intend to implement special quarantine measures for the next four weeks," but expressed the will to maintain recovery phase 1. However, on the 1st, when Omicron variant infections were confirmed domestically, the government's stance changed rapidly. The plan to gradually proceed with recovery even if confirmed cases reached 5,000 or 10,000 was dashed. The urgent priority is to stop the spread of Omicron immediately.

In this regard, the government's return to social distancing is somewhat understandable. As the Omicron variant began to spread simultaneously worldwide, including Africa, it is difficult to predict what situation will arise next. Compared to the existing Delta variant, Omicron is much more contagious, and once introduced, it can spread rapidly, leaving the health authorities with no choice. It is still unclear how dangerous it is. Experts expect that it will take about 2 to 3 weeks to properly understand the nature of the Omicron variant.

Looking at the infection cases reported so far, there is both hope and concern. Patients infected in South Africa, Botswana, and other countries are not in serious health condition. Of the 19 Omicron cases detected in Botswana, 16 were asymptomatic, and the remaining 3 showed very mild symptoms. Experts believe that, following the usual viral evolution process, the virus becomes more contagious but less destructive. On the other hand, breakthrough infections are worrisome. The first Omicron infections confirmed in Korea and the United States were all among people who had received two vaccine doses. Vaccination may significantly prevent progression from mild to severe illness, but no confirmed data exists yet. This means there is considerable uncertainty.

The task before us is to quickly identify the nature of Omicron and respond proactively. International cooperation and flawless domestic quarantine measures are essential. However, the government's initial response to Omicron is hard to rate highly. Just like when the Delta variant was introduced, the tracing of infected individuals' movements was not promptly conducted, failing to block community spread early on. The more relaxed quarantine system under the gradual recovery measures and false information from confirmed cases contributed significantly, but there remain many regrettable points.

The public faces another painful period. For those who had just begun to breathe easier, it is a matter of survival. The government, which protects the health of the people, must stay awake when the people sleep. Like soldiers guarding the front lines. As the gradual recovery to daily life progresses, health authorities must keep their eyes wide open. It is time for the government to ask itself whether it has been asleep alongside the people over the past month.