Each District Office Event to Proceed as Scheduled
Famous Singers Expected to Draw Crowds
"Event Will Continue Unless Performers Are Infected"
"Concerns Over Increased Risk of COVID-19 Resurgence"
[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Sehee] Although the daily number of COVID-19 cases is approaching 20,000, concerns about a 'COVID resurgence' are growing as local governments decide to proceed with scheduled events as planned.
According to a compilation of reports from Asia Economy on the 8th, multiple local governments plan to hold indoor or outdoor events this month. An official involved in one local government event stated, "We hold programs every Saturday," adding, "Although there is a sense that COVID is resurging, the event is unlikely to be canceled unless the performers contract COVID."
Songpa District Office will hold a busking performance indoors at the Seokchon Atelier Performance Hall from 12 PM to 3 PM on the 9th. A dance performance is also scheduled for 7 PM. On the same day, Gangdong District Office will host a 'Midsummer Night Classic Screening' from 7 PM to 9 PM on the lawn at Gangdong District Office. This event is said to be held every Saturday. Gangnam District Office will hold the 'G-KPOP Concert' from the 15th to the 17th. With famous singers performing, the risk of infection could increase as many citizens gather.
While each local government states they will enforce thorough quarantine measures, concerns are voiced among citizens.
Kim Naera (37, pseudonym), residing in Songpa-gu, Seoul, said, "The performances held by the district office are free, so they are good for bringing children, but since they are indoors, I am very worried," and asked, "Will children be allowed to attend together?" Lee Yoonhee (24, pseudonym) said, "While the government is considering a fourth vaccination for the entire population, local governments are rather promoting events," adding, "Quarantine measures have loosened, and I worry that confirmed cases might quietly visit the neighborhood." Park Minsu (43, pseudonym) expressed concern, saying, "There are still COVID cases at my workplace," and "It still seems risky, but the easing of quarantine measures happened too quickly."
Experts have stated that the risk of COVID resurgence could increase further as large-scale festivals continue to be held alongside increased travel during the vacation season.
Professor Kim Wooju of the Infectious Diseases Department at Korea University Guro Hospital said, "Since the last week of June, confirmed cases have been on the rise," and added, "We should consider that the sixth major wave of COVID has begun in earnest." He continued, "With the Minister of Health and Welfare, the control tower, currently vacant and the government not acknowledging the resurgence trend, quarantine measures are in disarray," and pointed out, "If various events continue and the summer weather effects overlap, the risk of infection could increase further. If social distancing cannot be strengthened due to economic issues, at least the expansion of testing sites should be implemented."
Meanwhile, the Seoul 'Sinchon Water Gun Festival,' which was scheduled to be held for the first time in three years since COVID-19, has been canceled. Seodaemun-gu notified the festival organizers on the 6th to cancel the event due to concerns about the COVID resurgence.
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