Museum, Art Gallery, and Library Reopening... Is the Relaxation of Metropolitan Area Quarantine Measures Appropriate?

Government to Open Museums, Art Galleries, and Libraries from the 20th
Experts: "COVID-19 Can Spread Anytime... We Must Not Forget Vigilance"

A closure notice is posted at the entrance of the National Palace Museum of Korea in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the 14th of last month. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kang Juhee] As the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the Seoul metropolitan area shows signs of stabilization, the government has decided to resume the use of some public facilities such as museums, art galleries, and libraries starting from the 20th. However, some voices argue that it is still too early to ease quarantine measures.

Although the number of local infections in the metropolitan area has been showing a steady trend with an average of around 10 cases per day over the past two weeks (July 5?18), there are concerns that easing quarantine measures could loosen social distancing and lead to another increase in confirmed cases.

Experts emphasize the need to maintain vigilance as COVID-19 cluster infections can occur at any time.

Earlier, as cluster infections occurred consecutively at places such as Itaewon clubs and the Bucheon Coupang logistics center, the government implemented stringent quarantine measures targeting the metropolitan area from May 29, including suspension of public facility operations and restrictions on gatherings in multi-use facilities. With the number of confirmed cases in the metropolitan area now declining, the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) decided on the 19th to partially ease quarantine measures in the metropolitan area.

Park Neung-hoo, the first deputy head of the CDSCH and Minister of Health and Welfare, stated at a regular COVID-19 briefing held at the Government Seoul Office on the same day, "The number of patients in the metropolitan area is steadily decreasing to around 10 cases, and considering the criticism that suspending operations of public facilities with low infection risk only harms accessibility for low-income groups, we intend to adjust the strengthened quarantine measures in the metropolitan area."

Accordingly, starting from the 20th, ten institutions including the National Museum of Korea, the National Folk Museum, the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History, the Hangeul Museum, three modern art museums in Gwacheon, Seoul, and Deoksugung, the Central Library, and the Library for the Disabled will be able to open their facilities. After preparation, facilities under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism such as museums and libraries are expected to resume operations from the 22nd, with other facilities reopening according to their circumstances.

However, to prevent overcrowding in confined spaces, facilities will only be opened up to a maximum of 30% of their capacity. Additionally, a reservation system will be implemented, and on-site applications will be accepted within 10% of the hourly user limit.

Eight venues including the National Theater of Korea, the National Gugak Center (main building), Jeongdong Theater, Seoul Arts Center, the National Theater Company of Korea (Myeongdong Arts Theater, Baekseonghui and Jang Minho Theaters, Pan), Daehangno and Arko Theaters will also be allowed to hold planned performances and private rentals at up to 50% capacity. The National Palace Museum of Korea will open the palaces and royal tombs to a maximum of 1,000 visitors per day.

On the 20th, as the spread of the novel coronavirus infection somewhat subsided, the government resumed the operation of public facilities in the metropolitan area, and Park Seong-su, the mayor of Songpa District, is touring the exhibition facilities. Photo by Yonhap News

However, some voices express concerns that the government's easing of quarantine measures is somewhat premature. Cluster infection cases continue to occur, such as multiple confirmed cases at a nursing facility in Gangseo-gu, Seoul on the 20th, indicating that it is not yet a stage to be complacent.

A 30-something office worker, Mr. A, said, "Since the golden holiday at the end of April, confirmed cases suddenly increased and continued until now, and only recently have we entered a somewhat stable phase, but now they want to ease quarantine measures again. With the summer vacation season approaching, I am worried that the announcement of easing quarantine will weaken people's vigilance and cause confirmed cases to rise again."

On the other hand, some argue that since people are already using external facilities such as restaurants, cafes, and bars, public facilities like museums should also be reopened.

Another office worker in their 20s, Mr. B, said, "I think it is not yet a stage to be confident about the spread of COVID-19, but people are already freely using external facilities like bars and cafes. Restricting public facilities such as museums and art galleries does not seem to be a solution."

He added, "The important thing is to follow personal quarantine rules well, and if those rules are properly observed when using public facilities, I think there will be no major problems. I hope the facilities can operate stably and never have to close again."

Experts emphasize the need to maintain vigilance as COVID-19 can resurge at any time.

Professor Kim Woo-joo, an infectious disease specialist at Korea University Guro Hospital, explained in a phone interview with Asia Economy on the 20th, "The government is making efforts to enforce quarantine by limiting the number of people and implementing a reservation system in enclosed spaces like museums and art galleries while opening public facilities. If those quarantine rules are properly followed, the risk of infection should not be significant."

However, Professor Kim stressed, "The important thing is that COVID-19 can resurge at any time. Just because the number of confirmed cases has slightly decreased does not mean it is acceptable to neglect quarantine rules or let down our guard. We must always wear masks and strictly follow personal quarantine rules to prevent the spread of infectious diseases."

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