"Isn't It My Own Money to Spend?" 2030 Generation Unaware of COVID-19 Severity

86 Cumulative COVID-19 Cases Related to Itaewon Clubs
Government: Difficult to Block Infection Chains Due to Many Asymptomatic and Mild Cases Among Young People
Experts: "People in Their 20s and 30s Can Also Be at Risk from COVID-19"

Men and women are enjoying nightlife at a club. The photo is unrelated to specific expressions in the article.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] "They say they are spending their own money to have fun... what does it matter if they party or not?"

A in their 20s, an office worker, commented on the Itaewon club incident amid the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), saying, "The situation itself is unfortunate, but I understand the feelings of people in their 20s who must have been frustrated due to social distancing," and added, "Honestly, after transitioning to everyday quarantine, I also made plans with friends and enjoyed drinking and dancing."

They continued, "Those people probably didn't go out during the peak of social distancing," and added, "Since they are spending their own money to have fun, we can't stop them."

As COVID-19 confirmed cases originating from clubs in Itaewon, Seoul have led to family transmissions and 'secondary infections,' public criticism toward them is intensifying.

However, some people in their 20s and 30s argue that while it is true that contact with others should be avoided to prevent COVID-19 infection, it is unfair to blame all young people based solely on the club cases.

There are also opinions that if individuals strictly follow personal quarantine measures, such as wearing masks, it is acceptable to enjoy leisure activities like visiting bars and clubs.

In this context, the government urged young people to comply with quarantine guidelines. Jeong Eun-kyeong, head of the Central Disease Control Headquarters (Director of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency), said at a regular briefing held in Osong, Chungbuk on the 11th, "Most of the confirmed cases are among young people in their 20s and 30s," and added, "Because of asymptomatic and mild cases, it is difficult to completely break the chain of infection."

She continued, "If the epidemic accumulates in the community and elderly or people with underlying diseases are exposed, it can be very fatal," and emphasized, "Visitors to entertainment facilities in Itaewon are urged to get tested promptly within today or tomorrow."

According to data released by the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters, as of noon that day, the cumulative number of COVID-19 patients related to Itaewon clubs reached 86.

Among the 86 confirmed cases, 63 had visited Itaewon clubs, and 23 were secondary infections among family members and acquaintances who had contact with them.

On the afternoon of the 8th, when additional infections of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) occurred at a club in Itaewon, Seoul, visited by patient number 66 from Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, the government issued an administrative order recommending the suspension of operations for one month at entertainment facilities such as clubs. A notice outlining compliance guidelines for entertainment facilities is posted in front of a club in Itaewon, Seoul, participating in the temporary closure. [Image source=Yonhap News]

By age group, 58 were in their 20s, the largest number, followed by 18 in their 30s, 3 each in their 40s, 50s, and teens, and 1 person aged 60 or older.

Young people in their 20s and 30s raised their voices, saying they are unfairly blamed. Office worker B (34) said, "It is true that we need to be careful. So after social distancing was eased, I followed personal quarantine rules while going out. It's too much to criticize all young people just because of the Itaewon club incident."

Another office worker C (29) said, "I think it's okay to go anywhere if you wear a mask properly and wash your hands well. As long as it's not a crowded place, it should be fine. We can't stay at home forever, can we?"

The problem is that young people can also suffer serious health effects if infected with COVID-19.

Previously, a confirmed patient in their 20s in Daegu fell into a 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 especially known to occur frequently in younger generations.

The patient’s condition rapidly worsened after being diagnosed positive and was hospitalized in the intensive care unit.

At that time, the patient showed severe pneumonia symptoms with both lungs appearing white on X-rays, and was once placed on a ventilator, receiving ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) and dialysis treatment simultaneously.

On March 4th, medical staff wearing white protective suits welcomed confirmed COVID-19 patients from the Daegu area at Bitgoeul Jeonnam National University Hospital, an infectious disease-dedicated hospital in Nam-gu, Gwangju. Photo by Yonhap News

In summary, young people can also be at risk due to COVID-19.

Regarding this, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned at a video briefing held at the WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, in March, "I have a message for young people. You are not invincible. COVID-19 does not spare young people," and added, "COVID-19 can hospitalize you for weeks and even kill you."

Experts pointed out that young people can also be at risk from COVID-19.

Professor Kim Woo-joo, an infectious disease specialist at Korea University Guro Hospital, said, "In countries like China, the United States, and Europe, although rare, deaths have occurred among people in their teens and twenties," and added, "In Korea, there have been no deaths among children or people in their 20s so far, but if the number of COVID-19 patients continues to increase, cases where cytokines are excessively secreted causing damage to normal tissues among young people may also increase."

He continued, "It is impossible to return to previous lifestyles until a COVID-19 vaccine is developed," and said, "A survey also showed that younger people are less likely to follow social distancing. Young people need to change their awareness and be cautious."

He emphasized, "The key is whether people in their 20s and 30s properly follow social distancing and personal hygiene," and added, "The government should enforce regulations well to ensure guidelines are followed."

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