"Weekend Avoiders, Weekday Planners" Irresponsible 20s and 30s Ignoring Social Distancing

Some in their 20s and 30s say "Weekday outings are okay because there are fewer people"
As of last month, 1 in 4 COVID-19 cases were in their 20s
Experts warn "Don't be complacent just because symptoms are mild... Special caution needed"

Around 7 p.m. on the 11th, near the streets of Hongdae, Seoul. Citizens are walking / Photo by Gayun Kim katekim221@asiae.co.kr

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ga-yeon] "People tend to be a bit cautious on weekends."

As the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) continues to spread, people in their 20s and 30s are visiting enclosed spaces such as bars and hunting pochas (outdoor drinking tents) despite the recommendations of health authorities, drawing criticism. Because of this, some people in their 20s reportedly prefer to enjoy nightlife on weekdays rather than weekends to avoid harsh judgment. There are concerns that this disregards the social efforts of health authorities working hard to prevent COVID-19.

Amid ongoing cluster infections mainly in the Seoul metropolitan area, health authorities have implemented measures since the 29th of last month until the 14th of this month to urge restraint or suspend operations of public and multi-use facilities in the metropolitan area. Events hosted by government and public institutions in the metropolitan area have also been canceled or postponed.

Meanwhile, more citizens are making plans on relatively less crowded weekdays to avoid the weekend rush. This comes amid ongoing criticism that "young people do not follow social distancing." Some people in their 20s and 30s said, "We meet on weekdays to avoid criticism."

A 30-year-old office worker, Mr. A, said, "There is always criticism that only people in their 20s and 30s don’t follow social distancing. But if you look around workplaces or neighborhoods, bosses in their 40s and 50s often have gatherings and don’t follow distancing either. I just prefer to make plans on weekdays to avoid getting scolded for going out on weekends."

Mr. A added, "There are fewer people on weekdays than weekends, and since we have to go to work anyway, it seems fine. Everyone gathers at cafes during lunch to laugh and chat, which is okay, but it feels contradictory that after-work gatherings are not allowed."

University student Ms. B (22) also said, "Since many online lectures are not held in real-time, I often meet friends on weekday mornings when there are fewer people."

Ms. B raised her voice, saying, "I don’t understand why karaoke rooms and bars are allowed to operate while only the people who go there are criticized. Instead of blaming confirmed cases or contacts, it would be more reasonable to criticize the government for allowing these businesses to operate."

On the afternoon of the 5th, the streets in front of Hongdae in Seoul were bustling with young people. Photo by Yonhap News

The problem lies in the fact that if active young people in their 20s and 30s become infected with COVID-19, they can quickly transmit the virus to vulnerable groups such as the elderly whom they come into contact with.

Since many patients in their 20s are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms, they may unknowingly carry the virus to their homes, workplaces, and communities.

Because of this, there are many voices criticizing the 20s and 30s who think "as long as it’s not me." Even if not at bars or karaoke rooms, gatherings where masks are removed to talk or sitting close together make it difficult to follow personal prevention rules, increasing the risk of infection.

Mr. C, a man in his 50s, said, "Work, school, and personal appointments are clearly different, so it’s not right to compare them on the same level. The mindset of 'as long as I don’t get infected' is really careless and selfish."

He added, "Transmission can also happen when people gather at cafes or restaurants. If that happens, the ones who suffer will be the high-risk groups around them or a few degrees of separation away. Everyone is frustrated, but it’s absurd that only young people can’t hold out for a few months and go out to enjoy nightlife."

Earlier, health authorities urged young people to refrain from visiting entertainment facilities and gatherings, citing an increase in the proportion of confirmed cases in their 20s due to small cluster infections at clubs, bars, and karaoke rooms. As of midnight on the 22nd of last month, people in their 20s accounted for 27.9% of the total confirmed COVID-19 cases in South Korea.

On the afternoon of the 5th, the streets in front of Hongdae in Seoul were bustling with young people. Photo by Yonhap News

Experts emphasize the need to raise awareness because people in their 20s and 30s often transmit the virus to high-risk groups.

Professor Kim Woo-joo, an infectious disease specialist at Korea University Guro Hospital, said in a phone interview with Asia Economy on the 12th, "(Since young people are often asymptomatic or have mild symptoms) extra caution is required, but the reality is that they are more complacent." He pointed out, "There is a perception among young people that '(even if infected with COVID-19) it’s asymptomatic or mild and not dangerous,' which leads to poor compliance with prevention rules."

Professor Kim stressed that following prevention guidelines is most important and advised, "There are busy commuting hours and less crowded times on weekdays, so if you cannot avoid gatherings, it’s better to meet during less busy times on weekdays."

Meanwhile, health authorities plan to announce follow-up measures to strengthen quarantine efforts on the 12th.

Park Neung-hoo, the first head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, will hold a briefing after discussing measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 and strengthen quarantine in the metropolitan area with related ministries at the Government Seoul Office in the morning. The announcement is expected to include an extension of the metropolitan area quarantine measures.

Earlier, Jung Eun-kyeong, head of the Central Disease Control Headquarters, said at a regular briefing held at the Osong Disease Control Headquarters in Chungbuk on the 22nd of last month, "Among the 335 confirmed COVID-19 cases in South Korea after the May holidays, 43% are in their 20s." She emphasized, "People in their 20s and 30s also need to undergo 3 to 4 weeks of isolation treatment if infected, and sometimes progress to severe conditions due to excessive immune responses. We must not lower our guard."

She added, "As the COVID-19 situation prolongs, young people have experienced significant discomfort due to long social distancing, and stress and depression from difficulties in studies and employment. However, for the safety of the social community and the health of young people, it is time for youth culture to harmonize with 'everyday quarantine' practices," urging caution.

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