[Report] "When Will the New Coronavirus End?" Anxiety Over 2nd and 3rd Wave Infections Leads to 'Weekend Disappearance' Complaints

Citizens Met Around Seoul Station Express Anxiety: "When Will the New Coronavirus End?"
Weekend Plans Canceled Amid New Coronavirus Impact, Resulting in 'Weekend Disappearance'
Bus and Taxi Drivers Urge, "Please Make Sure Passengers Wear Masks"

On the morning of the 7th, citizens commuting using Subway Line 4. On this day, the citizens interviewed by Asia Economy expressed anxiety over concerns about the spread of the novel coronavirus. Photo by Juhee Kang kjh818@asiae.co.kr

[Asia Economy reporters Seunggon Han, interns Sungyeol Kim and Joohee Kang] "I just have to stay home on the weekend. I hope the novel coronavirus situation ends soon."

According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of 8 a.m. on the 6th, four additional confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 23.

Among them, five are visitors from third countries outside China, including one from Japan, two from Thailand, and two from Singapore. Notably, the remaining eight have been identified as second- and third-generation domestic infections, increasing public anxiety about when and where a fourth-generation infection might occur.

On the morning of the 7th, citizens met by Asia Economy around Seoul Station expressed their concerns about the spread of the novel coronavirus. Some said they would not leave their homes at all over the upcoming weekend, while others showed significant anxiety over the growing fear of infection.

Given the situation, citizens ahead of the weekend expressed only anxiety about the novel coronavirus situation, unable to feel any sense of relaxation. In effect, the weekend has been lost due to the impact of the novel coronavirus.

A (56, female), who has been self-employed at the Seoul Station subway station for 15 years, expressed concern about possibly transmitting the novel coronavirus to her family while working in the crowded Seoul Station.

Ms. A said, "If customers are not wearing masks, I keep my distance," adding, "There are so many people coming and going, so I am worried. Many Chinese people also come to Seoul Station, which makes me even more concerned. I see on the news that many families have been infected, so I am anxious that I might spread it to my family."

Also, B (28), whom we met at a nearby convenience store, said, "I have been managing convenience store operations for a year, and this year is the hardest and most anxious," adding, "Since many people come and go at the convenience store, I can't help but feel uneasy." He continued, "I try to go to places with fewer people," expressing his anxiety.

On the morning of the 7th, citizens commuting to work by subway. On this day, the citizens met by Asia Economy on the subway urged the wearing of masks due to concerns over the spread of the novel coronavirus. Photo by Joohee Kang kjh818@asiae.co.kr

Citizens who commute by subway unanimously urged the wearing of masks. They emphasized that wearing masks protects their own health as well as the safety of others.

C (60), an office worker met on the subway, said he wears a mask even in the office. He stated, "Masks are essential. I always wear one on the subway," adding, "In my case, I also wear a mask in the office." He emphasized, "Wearing a mask like this protects my health and prevents the spread of infectious diseases, thereby protecting others' health as well."

Another office worker, D (36), said, "Everyone is wearing masks, so if I don't wear one, I feel worried," adding, "When the subway is crowded and I am very close to the person in front of me, I feel uneasy. Today, someone was coughing, so I avoided them." He appealed, "I hope everyone wears masks."

Meanwhile, citizens working in public transportation expressed even greater anxiety.

E (53), who has been driving a bus for 21 years, said, "I feel uneasy when the bus is packed during rush hour," adding, "When the weather suddenly gets cold, some people cough as if they have a cold, and at times like that, I open the window." He added, "I think the routes of confirmed patients on buses or subways should also be disclosed."

On the 28th of last month, as public anxiety grew over the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia), Chinese tourists wearing masks were strolling through the historic palace in Deoksugung, Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

Also, F (56), a taxi driver met in the Euljiro area of Jung-gu, Seoul, said, "Some passengers feel uneasy when the driver wears a mask, so I try not to wear it too much," adding, "Honestly, I am a bit anxious. If a passenger sitting next to me coughs, I go home and wash thoroughly." He added, "Drivers are being very careful, so I hope passengers will also be cautious."

Meanwhile, on the 6th, the Central Disease Control Headquarters of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that four additional confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus were reported, bringing the total to 23.

The 20th patient is a 41-year-old Korean woman, a family member of the 15th confirmed patient, who tested positive during self-quarantine and was isolated at the Armed Forces Capital Hospital.

The 21st patient is a 59-year-old Korean woman, a contact of the 6th confirmed patient, who tested positive during self-quarantine and was isolated at Seoul National University Hospital.

The 22nd patient, a 46-year-old Korean man and family member of the 16th patient, was isolated at Chosun University Hospital. The 23rd patient is a 58-year-old Chinese female tourist who entered Korea on the 23rd of last month. She was confirmed positive after a health center investigation found she had a fever and was scheduled to be admitted to a nationally designated isolation ward.

Notably, the 23rd patient is a Chinese traveler who entered from Wuhan, China. She arrived before entry restrictions were implemented and was untraceable during the comprehensive survey that began last week. Currently, 29 foreigners from Wuhan remain unreachable, raising greater concerns about community transmission of the novel coronavirus infection.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.