Kim Kang-lip "Capital area situation very serious... Considering raising social distancing measures"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] On the 14th, the government stated that "since the situation is very serious" regarding the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) mainly in the Seoul metropolitan area, it will consider raising social distancing measures.

Kim Kang-lip, the 1st General Coordinator of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH), said at a briefing held at the Government Complex Sejong on the same day, "We have begun reviewing the possibility of raising social distancing to Level 2 in the Seoul and Gyeonggi metropolitan areas."

The government warned that if cluster infections centered around small-scale churches continue to occur, it will have no choice but to reconsider mandatory core quarantine rules.

Kim, the 1st General Coordinator, said, "Cluster infections centered around small-scale churches are also increasing, and there are repeated cases of infection due to non-compliance with quarantine rules such as not wearing masks while eating together, holding small gatherings, and singing hymns, which is a great concern," urging churches to strengthen their voluntary efforts.

The government also requested cooperation from church members, stating that in some churches, it is difficult to identify worship attendees due to inadequate record-keeping, and there are cases where cooperation with quarantine authorities' testing requests is not provided.

Kim, the 1st General Coordinator, said, "If there is refusal to cooperate with epidemiological investigations or intentional obstruction leading to the spread of infection, strict measures such as prosecution and claims for compensation will be taken."

He added, "Residents of the metropolitan area should strictly comply with quarantine rules, refrain from entering multi-use facilities in enclosed spaces, and cancel or postpone unnecessary gatherings and appointments."

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