[Deputy Editor's Column] Experiments in the Era of Corona

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] Even when suffering from a cold or flu, people used to pop a pill and drag themselves to work, but now the government is stepping in to say, "If you're sick, rest at home." After nearly a month of working from home, some have complained, "It's actually better to go to the office." Disaster relief funds distributed on a family basis were thought to be fine if the head of the household received them on behalf of the family, but the resident registration records do not always match reality. The complacency of individuals who do not follow quarantine rules continues to threaten the daily lives of many, as we witness even today.

All of this has happened since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). Our daily lives changed 180 degrees without a moment to be confused in this unprecedented emergency. Things that were unimaginable in the past have now come to pass. Despite trial and error and inconveniences, the attitude of our people, who move relatively in an orderly manner according to the government's and quarantine authorities' guidelines, has already attracted global attention and envy. Although blind spots have emerged in the eligibility, usage, and regions for the emergency disaster relief funds, the government and credit card companies have joined forces to quickly accept appeals and provide corrective measures one by one.

Of course, the controversy is ongoing. Whether the various support measures and relief funds released to prevent the mass bankruptcy of small business owners amid the worst recession will become a sustaining force for our economy, remain a temporary "flash effect," or become a misstep threatening the government's fiscal soundness is uncertain. Policies that were once discussed only in theory and academic papers are now being tested in various ways in reality. The effects and issues revealed during the execution of the disaster relief funds will serve as important benchmarks for realizing basic income. Amid mixed evaluations of whether the approach is voluntary or compulsory, the power of solidarity that looks out for neighbors who are a bit more struggling through donations can be cultivated.

What is clear is that our society is creating reasonable principles and standards in line with the changing times and continuously finding new methods. These experiments taking place throughout our society are by no means useless; they will form the foundation for minimizing public anxiety and confusion and enabling rapid responses in the next crisis. Therefore, there seems to be no need to despair over the statement that returning to the pre-COVID-19 daily life has become difficult.

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