88% of Gyeonggi Residents Support Ban on Religious Gatherings to Prevent COVID-19

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Ninety-five percent of Gyeonggi Province residents believe that religious gatherings should be refrained from to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and 88% support issuing orders to ban religious gatherings.

According to a survey conducted by Gyeonggi Province on the 9th through the polling agency Case Stat Research targeting 1,100 residents aged 18 and older, 95% of respondents agreed that religious gatherings should be refrained from.

Among the respondents, 48.9% (524 people) reported having a religion, while 52.1% (569 people) reported having no religion.

Support for refraining from religious gatherings was high regardless of religious affiliation: Protestants (92%), Buddhists (98%), Catholics (98%), and non-religious (95%).

In particular, 88% of respondents supported Gyeonggi Province issuing orders to ban religious gatherings under the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act.

By religion, 73% of Protestants, 96% of Buddhists, 92% of Catholics, and 93% of non-religious respondents supported the ban, with Protestants showing a lower approval rate compared to other religious groups.

When asked about religious activities and safety during the severe stage of the infectious disease crisis alert, 96% of respondents said protecting the lives and safety of the people is more important than religious activities, while 2% said guaranteeing freedom of religious activities is more important.

Among residents with a religion, 94% also said public safety is more important.

Reflecting this perception, only 8% of religious individuals reported having recently participated in religious gatherings such as worship services, Buddhist ceremonies, or Mass during the COVID-19 situation.

By religion, 1% of Catholics, 2% of Buddhists, and 13% of Protestants reported participation.

Regarding the requests by Gyeonggi Province and the Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education to close private academies, 94% evaluated the requests as appropriate.

Earlier on the 6th, the two institutions requested the closure of private academies and tutoring centers in the province and asked youths to refrain from using multi-use facilities such as academies, tutoring centers, PC rooms, karaoke rooms, and reading rooms.

When asked about willingness to participate in 'social distancing,' 97% of respondents said they intend to comply (55% definitely, 42% as much as possible).

A provincial official explained, "To prevent the spread of COVID-19, it is most important to block the possibility of group infections by refraining from religious gatherings in enclosed spaces," adding, "It is fortunate that this survey confirms that residents are actively participating."

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