"It's Not Over" South Korea Contemplates Level 3, Refers to Overseas Cases with Lockdowns Implemented

Due to a confirmed case of COVID-19 among reporters covering the National Assembly, the main building of the National Assembly was closed on the 27th, and the entrance was firmly locked. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgina Cho] "It is not over. It is not over until the virus is nowhere in the world."

The warning from the World Health Organization (WHO), issued shortly after major countries such as the United States and Europe lifted lockdown measures just a few months ago, has become a reality. Signs of a resurgence of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) are emerging in various countries, taking advantage of the loosened restrictions.

South Korea is no different, where the nationwide pandemic warning light has been turned on following the first wave centered on Daegu and Gyeongbuk and subsequent cluster infections in the metropolitan area. However, since high-intensity lockdown measures have been confirmed to be effective in controlling the initial spread, our government is also considering upgrading to 'Social Distancing Level 3' by referring to overseas cases.

◆Confirmed cases decreased after March lockdown...Looking at overseas trends

As COVID-19 rapidly spread at the beginning of the year, countries including Italy, other European nations, the United States, and India immediately implemented strong lockdown policies from March, restricting non-essential business operations, residents' movements, and closing borders. Subsequently, strict 'social distancing' was naturally enforced, and the spread seemed to halt.

According to the COVID-19 confirmed case status of each country disclosed by WHO on the 27th, in Italy, after entering lockdown on March 10, the daily number of confirmed cases surged to around 6,000 before gradually declining. By the end of April, it was in the 1,000 range, and by May, it dropped to triple digits. This was the background for the Italian government to bring forward the easing of lockdown by nearly a month to early May. Even afterward, the number of new confirmed cases remained stable at around 100 to 300 per day for some time.

In Spain, which implemented even stricter lockdown measures in Europe in March, similar initial effects were confirmed. New confirmed cases increased to 7,000 to 8,000 per day at the end of March and peaked at around 9,000 in early April, but dropped below 1,000 in May. Similar trends were observed in other European countries that closed borders and restricted travel. The German government also emphasized the effectiveness of preemptive lockdown policies when the UK, which entered full lockdown about a week later than Germany, experienced a surge in confirmed cases.

Lockdown measures taken by the United States from March 17 were similar to those in Europe. However, in the U.S., although all stores except essential businesses such as supermarkets and gas stations were closed, the number of confirmed cases did not show a calming trend for some time. The daily new confirmed cases, which were around 2,000 at the time of lockdown, increased exponentially and fluctuated between 20,000 and 30,000 until April. It was only by the end of May that a slight easing to around 10,000 cases was observed.

On the 25th, citizens visiting the COVID-19 screening clinic set up at Seongbuk-gu Public Health Center in Seoul are receiving guidance from medical staff. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

◆After lifting lockdown...Concerns over 'second wave' exploiting loosened gaps

The problem arises after lifting the lockdown. As the spread of COVID-19 slowed in May, countries, concerned about the economic situation, lifted lockdowns earlier than initially expected. As countries gradually reopened and resumed economic activities, WHO expressed concerns about the premature lifting. This was because the easing measures could be perceived by citizens as "it's over now." This ultimately leads to a second wave of spread.

More than 150 American medical experts sent an open letter to the White House at the end of July, urging to "lock down the United States again." They criticized the government's easing measures as "ridiculous." In the U.S., daily confirmed cases surged again to 50,000 to 60,000 at the end of last month and are currently around 40,000 in August.

In India, which imposed a nationwide lockdown in March and April, the recent spread of COVID-19 has intensified. The number of confirmed cases increased by 1 million in just half a month. At this rate, India is expected to surpass Brazil next month to become the second-largest infected country in the world.

Europe, which loosened restrictions after lifting lockdowns, is also facing a similar risk of resurgence. Italy, Germany, and Spain recently recorded the highest number of confirmed cases since lifting lockdowns in early May. These countries are considering a second lockdown. In France, nearly 5,000 new confirmed cases were reported in a single day. As cases surged since July, the French government mandated mask-wearing and implemented regional responses. Greece and others recently imposed additional measures restricting the operation of restaurants, bars, and clubs after midnight.

◆South Korea also considering 'Level 3 upgrade'... "Responding by referring to overseas cases"

South Korea is no different. The number of new COVID-19 confirmed cases has surpassed 400 again. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency's Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters announced that 441 new confirmed cases were identified as of midnight that day. The total cumulative confirmed cases were counted at 18,706 (2,770 imported cases).

The 441 new confirmed cases are the highest number in 173 days since March 7, when 483 cases were reported during the first nationwide wave centered on Daegu and Gyeongbuk due to the Shincheonji Church of Jesus cluster infection.

With daily confirmed cases surging around the Sarang Jeil Church in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, and the Gwanghwamun rally on Liberation Day, as well as new cluster infections confirmed outside the metropolitan area, the warning light for a 'nationwide pandemic' has been turned on. The so-called 'dark figure' patients, whose infection sources are unknown, are also rapidly increasing.

Since the metropolitan area cluster infections began in earnest on the 14th, the daily new confirmed cases have been 103 → 166 → 279 → 197 → 246 → 297 → 288 → 324 → 332 → 397 → 266 → 280 → 320 → 441. The total new confirmed cases during this period amount to 3,936, approaching 4,000.

The government, seriously considering the possibility of upgrading to Social Distancing Level 3, plans to refer to overseas cases. An official said, "COVID-19 is spreading in all directions with successive new cluster infections, both large and small," adding, "We are exploring various measures to prevent a second wave by referring to overseas lockdown cases."

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