Despite the Resurgence of COVID-19... Restaurants and Bars 'Packed'

COVID-19 Cases Increase for 7 Consecutive Days
Citizens "Not Very Concerned, Gathering Plans Remain"
Experts "COVID-19 Outbreak Could Expand"

At around 9:50 PM on the 8th, Jongno Youth Street was bustling with people despite the ongoing spread of COVID-19 for a week. Citizens out for leisure continuously showed joyful expressions as they enjoyed the night streets, and even merchants soliciting customers were seen, creating a lively atmosphere. Restaurants were full of customers, and alleys were crowded with people choosing places for a second round of drinks, either smoking or already feeling the effects of alcohol. Park (32), who came out for a drink after work, said, “I didn’t even know if the number of COVID-19 confirmed cases had increased. I wear a mask, but I have been infected with COVID before, so I don’t really care much anymore,” adding, “There have been no cancellations of gatherings due to the spread of COVID-19. Everyone seems unconcerned and makes plans as usual.”

Around 9:50 PM on the 8th, Jongno Youth Street. Despite the surge in COVID-19 cases following the March school reopening, the street is bustling with people.
Photo by Taewon Choi skking@

Although the number of COVID-19 confirmed cases is rising again, citizens appear indifferent to the prolonged COVID-19 situation.

According to the announcement by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency’s Central Disease Control Headquarters on the 9th, as of midnight, the number of new COVID-19 confirmed cases was 10,890. This is an increase of 3,335 compared to the previous week. The number of new confirmed cases has shown an increasing trend compared to the previous week for seven consecutive days since the 3rd. The weekly daily average number of confirmed cases also exceeded 10,000 again, reaching 10,248.

Citizens collectively expressed little interest in the trend of the COVID-19 situation. Choi (25), a job seeker, said, “I didn’t know the number of COVID-19 confirmed cases was increasing. I used to check the number of confirmed cases every day, but it’s been quite a while since I last checked,” adding, “Even if the number of confirmed cases increases a bit, I don’t think my lifestyle will change much.”

Office worker Jo (60) also said, “I have seen through the news that the number of COVID-19 confirmed cases is slightly increasing,” but added, “Since all my family members have been vaccinated, I have no plans to change outing plans or adjust meeting schedules.” Choi (59) also said, “Even though the COVID-19 situation has worsened somewhat, I have no plans to change my schedule. However, I will continue to wear a mask consistently.”

Around 10 p.m. on the 8th, a restaurant in Jongno Youth Street was filled with customers, defying the spread of COVID-19 following the March school reopening.
Photo by Taewon Choi skking@

Experts pointed out that the COVID-19 situation could worsen again and warned against letting down one’s guard. Professor Lee Jae-gap, an infectious disease specialist at Hallym University Medical Center, said, “With the start of the new school term, the decrease in vaccine or infection immunity may become apparent,” adding, “The scale of the COVID-19 outbreak could gradually increase. It is difficult to predict the peak of the outbreak.”

There were also calls for active additional vaccination with the Omicron bivalent vaccine as reinfection rates and fatality rates increase. Professor Kim Woo-joo, an infectious disease specialist at Korea University Medical Center, said, “The number of confirmed cases is increasing, and the reinfection rate has risen to 25%. The fatality rate this year has reached 0.13%. Compared to when the fatality rate dropped to 0.04%, it has increased more than threefold,” emphasizing, “Among adults, there are many who have not received the additional Omicron bivalent vaccine. The government should promote additional vaccination with the Omicron bivalent vaccine.”