"Hard but We Must Overcome"… Daegu and Gyeongbuk Overcoming COVID-19

Travel Restrictions to Other Regions, Control "Feeling Like a Criminal"
Strict but Orderly Response, United in Overcoming Crisis
Actively Participating in Social Distancing Campaigns
Foreign Media: "Will Become a Life Model for Many"

On the morning of the 5th, a joint civil-military-government disinfection operation to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is being conducted on Kim Kwang-seok Street, a tourist attraction in Daegu. (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Daegu·Gyeongbuk=Asia Economy Reporter Moon Jiwon] "It's tough, but we have to overcome it. We will definitely win."

Kang Hyung-gu (31, pseudonym), who works in Daegu, repeated this determination several times. The 31st confirmed case of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) was reported on the 18th of last month. For more than half a month since then, COVID-19 has been sweeping through Daegu and Gyeongbuk, but local residents are bravely fighting the virus. The public sentiment of 'We must stop further spread' and 'Let's not be defeated by the epidemic' is bringing people together in solidarity. Kang said, "Although the number of confirmed cases is increasing, the majority of Daegu citizens are calmly and orderly responding and aiming to overcome the crisis together."

On the 6th, citizens of Daegu and Gyeongbuk are adapting to a daily life they have never experienced before. The Jung-gu Dongsung-ro area, which used to be crowded even on weekdays, has long been deserted. Areas near Kyungpook National University, where many college students gather, are relatively better off, but other regions are experiencing an accelerated economic downturn. B (32), an employee of a public enterprise in Daegu, said, "It is difficult to find people on the streets," and waved his hand, saying, "I was born and raised in Daegu, but this is the first time I've seen such a situation."

◆Active Participation in Social Distancing = While the fear of infection and prolonged isolation are difficult, many citizens also complain about discriminatory views they feel in daily life. Since the 31st confirmed case on the 18th of last month, the spread accelerated to over 4,000 patients within half a month, and many hateful remarks such as "Daegu people are the problem" circulated online.

Perceptions such as "You can get infected by packages from Daegu" or "Daegu should be sealed off" are representative. C (31), a sales employee in a major materials industry company who frequently travels on business, said, "As the COVID-19 situation spread, Daegu and Gyeongbuk employees were restricted from entering the Seoul headquarters, and other regional clients told us not to come, effectively shutting us out," adding, "I understand this is part of quarantine measures, but even though I have no health issues and wear a mask properly, I feel like a criminal," expressing bitterness.

As the situation prolongs, citizens of Daegu and Gyeongbuk are actively participating in the 'social distancing' campaign. Although mask shortages and the impact on small business owners are more severe than in other regions, most are calmly waiting for government and city measures. D (31), who lives in Sangyeok-dong, Buk-gu, Daegu, said, "Facilities where confirmed cases have been reported, such as Shinsegae Department Store, are being closed and temporarily shut down day after day, but there is no major chaos."

Around 7 p.m. on the 5th, more than two weeks after the first confirmed case of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in Daegu, the traffic flow around the Jonggak intersection in Jung-gu, Daegu, appeared sparse. (Photo by Yonhap News)

◆"Enduring with Composure" Praised by Foreign Media = Recently, the American ABC News reported on Daegu, saying, "There are no riots, no fearful crowds. Only restrained composure and calmness endure," drawing attention. Ian Panel, the correspondent who reported the news, said, "(Citizens) patiently lined up despite knowing the urgent shortage of mask supplies," and added, "Daegu will be a model for many people in 2020, where living with COVID-19 has become the new normal."

Not only the media but also social networking services (SNS) have seen a widespread relay of support using hashtags such as 'Cheer up Daegu Gyeongbuk,' comforting the exhausted citizens of Daegu and Gyeongbuk.

Daegu Mayor Kwon Young-jin said at a regular briefing the day before, "Despite this situation, Daegu citizens are showing mature civic consciousness by comforting and caring for each other in this uncertain and prolonged crisis," emphasizing, "The nation is supporting Daegu and standing in solidarity. Daegu can win the war against COVID-19, and it must win."

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