"Who Still Takes Flyers These Days?" Citizens Avoid Street Flyers Amid COVID-19 Spread

As of the previous day (5th), a total of 6,088 confirmed COVID-19 cases
KCDC: "Avoid going out if possible, practice thorough personal hygiene such as handwashing"
Experts: "Reducing personal contact helps prevent infection"

Due to the recent spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), more people are avoiding face-to-face contact. This is because of the high risk of infection through droplets (saliva droplets) and other means. The photo is a reference image. / Photo by Han Seung-gon hsg@asiae.co.kr

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] "Who receives flyers these days?"

Ms. A, a housewife in her 50s, recently said that she avoids receiving flyers due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

Ms. A said, "I feel uneasy even pressing the elevator buttons with my hands, so I never touch buttons others have pressed. I absolutely cannot accept papers that others have touched," expressing frustration. "I don't know how many people have touched them, so who would accept these?"

She added, "Given the situation, it's too much for business owners to order us to distribute flyers," and said, "If they want us to do it, they should at least provide masks."

Recently, due to the spread of COVID-19, more people are avoiding face-to-face contact. This is because of the high risk of infection through droplets. As a result, the perception of people handing out flyers on the street, which was once common, has worsened. Since distributing flyers involves a lot of interpersonal contact, there are concerns about possible infection.

Some citizens complain that they cannot even accept flyers handed out on the street, while others express sympathy, saying it must be hard for part-time workers (alba) as well.

Flyers left as they are in the hallway of an apartment. As the COVID-19 situation has continued for over a month, citizens are expressing concerns about receiving flyers on the street, feeling uneasy. Photo by Han Seung-gon hsg@asiae.co.kr

In particular, there is growing resentment toward flyer distribution part-time jobs. Mr. B (27), an office worker, said, "Before the COVID-19 situation, I always accepted flyers when someone handed them out," but added, "However, many people handing out flyers do not wear masks. Honestly, even if they wear gloves, I’m not sure if I would accept them. Isn't that too much?"

Another office worker, Mr. C (35), said, "Since the COVID-19 outbreak, I tend to avoid people handing out flyers," and shared, "I once accepted a flyer absentmindedly and felt uneasy afterward."

On the other hand, there are critical voices saying, "Flyer part-time jobs must be hard too," and "What's so difficult about accepting one flyer?"

Ms. D, a college student in her 20s, said, "I have experience working as a flyer distributor, so I know how hard it is, and I can't just pass by without accepting," and pointed out, "Getting one flyer won't cause COVID-19, but many friends are overly sensitive."

She added, "Flyer distributors only get paid if they meet their quota, so I hope people accept flyers considering the part-timers who work hard in the cold weather."

Because of this, workers distributing flyers say that handing out flyers has become difficult due to COVID-19. Ms. E, a woman in her 70s, said, "There are hardly any people these days because of COVID-19. And even those passing by rarely accept flyers," expressing her difficulties. She continued, "It's very hard. I wear a mask and use hand sanitizer whenever I have time, so I hope people don't look at me too negatively."

Experts advise that reducing personal contact helps prevent infection.

Professor Eom Jung-sik of the Department of Infectious Diseases at Gachon University Gil Medical Center appeared on MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' on the 19th of last month and said, "Infection spreads especially when you are close to a confirmed patient and respiratory symptoms appear," adding, "When you need to leave a confined space, you should wear a mask and thoroughly practice personal hygiene such as handwashing."

Meanwhile, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency's 'COVID-19 Action Guidelines,' it is recommended to refrain from going out as much as possible and to thoroughly practice personal hygiene such as handwashing.

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