"Younger People Are Also at Risk" What About 20s Ignoring 'Social Distancing'?

Among Domestic COVID-19 Cases, 2,358 in Their 20s (27.53%)
Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters: "Younger People May Play a Larger Role as Transmission Links"
Health Authorities Recommend 'Social Distancing' Until the 5th of Next Month

/Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] As the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) spreads worldwide, concerns are rising following a survey showing that people in their 20s make up the largest number of confirmed cases in South Korea. This is because some young people are ignoring 'social distancing,' which is implemented to prevent COVID-19 infection by avoiding contact with others.

There are also growing fears that COVID-19 is spreading primarily among people in their 20s, as some are gathering in crowded places such as bars and clubs to enjoy leisure time.

Given this situation, the government has expressed concern that young people, including those in their 20s, could act as vectors for the spread of COVID-19. On the 21st, Kwon Junwook, Deputy Director of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH), urged caution in response to reports that clubs popular among young people were crowded despite government announcements, stating, "The younger generation can play a much larger role as a hidden link in the transmission of infection."

According to the CDSCH's 'Domestic COVID-19 Occurrence Status' data, as of midnight on the 19th, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases by age group showed that people in their 20s accounted for 2,358 cases (27.53%), the highest among all age groups.

Following were those in their 50s with 1,642 cases (19.17%), 40s with 1,181 cases (13.79%), and 60s with 1,080 cases (12.61%). This means that the number of cases in the 20s age group is at least two to three times higher than other age groups.

Despite the high proportion of confirmed cases in their 20s, young people continue to frequent bustling areas such as Hongdae and Gangnam in Seoul.

They argue that there is no problem because they pay attention to personal hygiene such as wearing masks. A 24-year-old university student, A, said, "I felt too frustrated staying at home, so I went to Hongdae with a friend," adding, "We wore masks and were careful with each other, so I thought it was okay. The government also said that the risk of infection is low as long as it is not in an enclosed space." He added, "I think having dinner with friends once in a while is probably fine."

The problem is the widespread perception that young people recover quickly even if infected. Meanwhile, it has been reported that a 20-year-old confirmed patient in Daegu is in critical condition due to a 'cytokine storm' symptom.

A cytokine storm is a phenomenon where cytokines, immune substances in the body, are excessively secreted when external pathogens such as viruses enter the body, attacking normal cells. It is known to occur frequently in young people with strong immune systems.

Citizens who heard the news expressed concerns such as "Social distancing is necessary even for young people" and "Isn't it possible that they get infected and spread it to their families?"

A 27-year-old office worker, B, said, "I am also in my 20s, but I am very scared of getting infected with COVID-19," adding, "I recently heard that a patient in their 20s is in critical condition. We should not be complacent just because we are young."

Photo by Yonhap News

Another office worker, C (55), said, "I heard that young people are enjoying entertainment such as clubs and karaoke rooms these days. Such behavior endangers not only themselves but also their families," emphasizing, "I think we should refrain from going out on weekends and avoid crowded places as the government advises."

The situation is no different abroad. Around the world, many young people are gathering in crowded places such as clubs, pubs, and beaches to enjoy social gatherings.

As a result, Yosemite National Park, a famous spot in California, USA, was closed on the 20th (local time), and all hotels on Miami Beach were ordered to close, with current guests instructed to leave. The New South Wales government in Australia also closed the famous Bondi Beach in Sydney on the 21st.

The World Health Organization (WHO) urged young people to participate in efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on the 20th (local time).

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at a video briefing held at the WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, "I have a message for young people. You are not invincible," adding, "(COVID-19) does not spare young people either."

He warned, "COVID-19 can hospitalize you for weeks and even kill you," and "Even if you do not get sick, your choices about where you go can mean life or death for others."

Meanwhile, the quarantine authorities appealed to the public to participate in refraining from outings and gatherings by presenting a strengthened form of 'social distancing' strategy until the 5th of next month.

Park Neunghoo, the first director of the CDSCH, said at a regular briefing held at the Government Seoul Office on the 22nd, "We are overcoming the dangerous moment when confirmed cases surged, but it is not yet a situation to be relieved, and the risk of spread remains."

Director Park emphasized, "We understand that the public feels very frustrated and uncomfortable as social distancing has been maintained for three weeks," adding, "Now is the time to make a little more effort to definitely reduce infections in the community and group facilities."

Local governments also plan to start inspections centered on religious facilities such as churches on the same day and will conduct comprehensive inspections and take measures such as banning assemblies and gatherings for religious facilities subject to administrative orders, certain types of indoor sports facilities, and entertainment facilities over the next 15 days.

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