[Q&A] "PC Bangs and Other Windowless Businesses Need Social Distancing and Frequent Ventilation"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The government will sequentially release more than 40 types of new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) prevention guidelines by category starting from the 22nd.

Kim Kang-lip, the 1st General Coordinator of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, said at a regular briefing held at the Government Complex Sejong on the 20th, "Starting this Wednesday (22nd), we will gradually disclose more than 40 types of guidelines by category to overcome COVID-19 in daily life."

Coordinator Kim said, "It is very cautious to say that we have reached a situation where we can be completely assured," adding, "It is not practically easy for the government to provide guidelines considering all situations."

However, he stated, "Basically, if you maintain a distance of more than 2 meters outdoors, the (infection) risk is very low," and "For example, ahead of Children's Day, we are considering with various ministries and by category how to act in amusement parks."

◇ Below is a Q&A with Coordinator Kim regarding the prevention guidelines

- It is expected that more multi-use facilities will open in the next two weeks. Is it possible for local governments to conduct effective inspections?

▲ Each ministry is diversifying and creating specific applicable rules on how to take preventive measures in various living spaces. Currently, it is in draft form, but it will be refined through professional consultations with the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency's Central Disease Control Headquarters. Even at the draft level, we will disclose it to gather opinions from stakeholders and the public and complete the rules by synthesizing the opinions of the prevention authorities.

The rules for living spaces are very diverse, initially covering more than 40 types such as (general) stores, department stores, and amusement parks. For example, the guidelines will include how to handle and sell goods in stores, how to use department stores, and how to operate amusement parks, and the types of rules are expected to increase going forward.

- There are entertainment establishments or PC rooms located underground or without any windows where it is impossible to follow the guidelines.

▲ Places located underground or without windows are enclosed spaces and thus have a relatively very high risk level. The fundamental principle is that people in the activity space should maintain an appropriate distance beyond the range where droplets can spread. Also, physical conditions should be in place to improve indoor air quality through frequent ventilation.

Additionally, through category-specific guidelines, we ask the public to consider how to reasonably and safely apply the guidelines in their respective living spaces, and how to minimize risk while restoring daily life as much as possible.

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