"Can't Cancel, Only Worried" Citizens Facing Moving Day 'Restless'

COVID-19 Cases in Korea Surpass 6,000 After 46 Days
Citizens Moving Express Concerns Over Multiple Visitors at Home
Moving Centers Emphasize Mask Wearing and Hand Sanitizer Use
Experts Stress Social Distancing and Individual Responsibility for Prevention

Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ga-yeon] "These days, with all the chaos caused by COVID-19, it's really worrying. I can't cancel, but I am concerned."

Office worker A (29) said this while planning to move from Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do to Songpa-gu, Seoul this month. A said, "The house contract is done, and the moving day is in a week," adding, "I heard that there was a confirmed case near the apartment I'm moving to, so I feel uneasy."

He said, "I know that we need to reduce going out and contact with others, but this is not a simple trip or appointment, so I can't cancel the move," and added, "I think the only option is to contact the moving company in advance and ask them to manage hygiene."

As the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) spreads domestically, large-scale infection incidents are occurring. The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases exceeded 6,000 on the 5th, 46 days after the first domestic case. It has only been two days since the cumulative confirmed cases surpassed 4,000.

According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on the 6th, as of 12 noon, 196 new confirmed cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 6,284.

Health authorities urged citizens to thoroughly practice personal hygiene, refrain from going out, and maintain social distancing. On the 3rd, Kwon Jun-wook, Deputy Director of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, emphasized at a briefing held at the Osong Disease Control Headquarters in Chungbuk, "For ordinary citizens, social distancing and hand washing are priorities over using health masks."

Given this situation, citizens preparing to move are expressing anxiety. This is because moving involves traveling between regions and unavoidable contact with moving company staff. Citizens planning to move say they cannot cancel due to reasons such as the expiration of their current home lease but express concerns about infection risks.

On the 24th of last month, citizens wearing masks for reasons such as COVID-19 prevention are commuting to work at the crosswalk of Gwanghwamun Station intersection in Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

Office worker B (25), who is currently looking for a new place as her one-room lease is ending, said, "(The landlord) put the house up for rent, so people come to see it. I am currently working from home to prevent infection, but I am scared of getting infected during the moving process," adding, "Similarly, I am cautious about going out to look for a house."

B said, "The real estate agent said that fewer people are coming these days. Fortunately, my move is not scheduled for this month or next month, but no one knows when the COVID-19 situation will end," and added, "I hope the situation calms down soon."

Additionally, citizens are expressing their concerns on local mom cafes and various online communities, saying things like, "Because of COVID-19, calling a moving company and the process of taking out and bringing in belongings feels uncomfortable. I worry if any workers are foreigners or have recently traveled abroad," "I postponed moving because the area had confirmed cases," and "I was planning to move, but with children, it seems difficult to move now."

On the other hand, some express reluctance toward new residents moving in. This is due to concerns that infection could spread during the moving process if the newcomers have recently traveled abroad or are foreigners.

A moving company official responded to these concerns, saying, "The headquarters distributed guidelines for wearing masks and using hand sanitizers during work," and added, "Currently, most branches are following these guidelines and making efforts to prevent infection."

Meanwhile, experts recommend avoiding contact in enclosed spaces and practicing social distancing.

Professor Eom Jung-sik, an infectious disease specialist at Gachon University Gil Medical Center, appeared on CBS radio's 'Sisa Jaki Jung Kwan-yong imnida' on the 3rd and said, "Since community spread is expanding, we judged that a definite way to physically maintain distance is necessary," adding, "Now, each citizen can be considered a key player in quarantine."

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