"Return to Social Distancing" Large-Scale Outbreak Predicted Amid Serial Infections in the Capital Area

41 of 50 New Domestic COVID-19 Cases Occur in Seoul, Incheon, and Other Metropolitan Areas
Experts Say "We Must Return to Pre-Living Quarantine Measures... Stronger Social Distancing Needed"

On the 10th, as a staff member of Gangnam Daesung Academy was confirmed positive for the novel coronavirus infection, health authorities continued testing contacts including students. Citizens who visited the screening clinic set up at Songpa-gu Public Health Center in Seoul are waiting to be tested.
Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] As the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) is spreading mainly in the Seoul metropolitan area, including Seoul and Gyeonggi, which are densely populated regions, experts are expressing concerns that it might escalate into a large-scale outbreak.

Experts suggest that the current daily quarantine system cannot stop the spread, and that it is necessary to return to stricter social distancing measures. Since the transition to daily quarantine on the 6th of last month, with the reopening of multi-use facilities and the start of in-person school, there has been an increase in citizens not adhering to quarantine guidelines.

According to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) on the 10th, out of 50 new confirmed cases in the country, 41 occurred in the Seoul metropolitan area, including Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi.

In particular, the number of confirmed cases related to the Richway door-to-door sales company in Gwanak-gu, Seoul, reached 100. Epidemiological investigations revealed that an employee at the SJ Investment Company call center, who tested positive on the 7th, had contact with a Richway-related confirmed case, leading to the reclassification of eight confirmed cases related to the SJ Investment Company call center as Richway-related.

Moreover, chain infections are continuing along the movement paths of confirmed cases. The Richway-related infections have been identified in at least five locations, including the Chinese Dongpyo Church shelter in Guro-gu, the 'SJ Investment Company' call center in Gangseo-gu, 'Myeongseong Housing' in Gangnam-gu, 'SK Broadband' in Dongjak-gu, and 'NBS Partners' in Bundang.

The total number of confirmed cases related to the Pioneer Church in the metropolitan area has reached 92 so far, including 32 church-related cases and 60 contacts. By region, there are 47 in Incheon, 28 in Seoul, and 17 in Gyeonggi.

The problem lies in the increasing number of citizens who do not follow the quarantine authorities' guidelines to get tested when symptoms appear. This is why there are concerns that additional cases of community transmission are inevitable.

On the 11th of last month, when the number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection related to Itaewon clubs in Seoul was increasing, commuters wearing masks were walking at the Gwanghwamun intersection in Seoul during the morning rush hour.
Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

A 20-something office worker, Mr. A, said, "It's hard to conclude that a fever means COVID-19," adding, "Honestly, since the perception around me is negative, I hesitate to get tested."

B (24), a job seeker, also said, "Many people cough at the academy these days, but everyone just thinks it's a cold, not a COVID-19 infection," and added, "Not many people pay attention to mild symptoms."

As COVID-19 cluster outbreaks continue to occur in the metropolitan area, quarantine authorities are concerned about a 'metropolitan area large-scale outbreak.' Since cases with unpredictable transmission routes are increasing, it is expected that further spread cannot be avoided.

Jung Eun-kyung, head of the Central Disease Control Headquarters, expressed concern at a regular briefing, saying, "Cluster infections are spreading mainly in the densely populated metropolitan area," and "If the chain of transmission is not continuously broken, the possibility of a large-scale outbreak cannot be ruled out."

Experts emphasize the need to switch to stricter social distancing measures even in the metropolitan area.

Professor Kim Woo-joo of the Department of Infectious Diseases at Korea University Guro Hospital suggested, "Since there are many patients with unknown transmission routes in Seoul and Gyeonggi, I think we need to return to social distancing."

Professor Kim added, "The government transitioned to daily distancing on the 6th of last month and issued detailed guidelines for various multi-use facilities, but since they are not well followed, cluster infections are occurring. Because the spread in the metropolitan area is serious, it would be better to implement social distancing uniformly (again)."

Professor Eom Jung-sik of the Department of Infectious Diseases at Gachon University Gil Medical Center emphasized, "It is necessary to switch to social distancing centered on the metropolitan area. Community transmission is widespread, and above all, since the transmission chains cannot be found, I believe strict social distancing should be implemented."

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