Spring Has Come, but 63% of the Entire Population Oppose Immediate Easing of Social Distancing

The Most Common Reason for Opposition: 'Because Without Vaccines or Treatments, Resurgence Can Occur Anytime'

On the 6th, citizens are taking a walk along Hongjecheon in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, enjoying the warm spring weather. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Onyu Lim] Six out of ten Koreans oppose the immediate easing of 'social distancing' measures related to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters announced on the 19th that, according to a 'Social Distancing Public Perception Survey' conducted on 1,000 citizens from the 17th to 18th, 63.3% opposed the immediate easing of social distancing.

The most common reason, at 66.2%, was "there is no vaccine or treatment, so a resurgence could occur at any time." This was followed by "because a large number of new domestic cases are still occurring" at 14.4%, "because the status of overseas confirmed cases is very concerning" at 13.3%, and "because citizens are not yet accustomed to daily quarantine rules, so guidance and education periods are necessary" at 6.2%.

Among those opposing the immediate easing of distancing, 66.5% said the appropriate timing to ease social distancing is "when the number of confirmed cases, international situation, vaccines, and treatments are considered, and the quarantine authorities' judgment is necessary," responding that "a specific date cannot be set."

On the other hand, only 36.7% of respondents supported the immediate easing of social distancing. The most common reason for support, at 43.6%, was "because citizens are sufficiently practicing daily quarantine rules in their daily lives." Other reasons included "because the number of confirmed cases has sufficiently decreased" at 19.6%, "because the economy is too difficult" at 19.1%, and "because of fatigue caused by social distancing" at 17.7%.

Regarding the area where easing social distancing is most urgent, 52.3% of all survey participants chose "elementary, middle, high schools, and universities." Outdoor activities and sports facilities were next at 20.0%, indoor activities and sports facilities at 18.7%, and indoor seating facilities and lodging facilities at 9.0%.

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