Authorities: "Effect of Social Distancing Level 2.5 to Appear After Weekend" (Update)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The quarantine authorities forecasted on the 3rd that the effects of the so-called 'Level 2.5,' the strengthened social distancing measures in the Seoul metropolitan area, will appear after this weekend.

Kwon Jun-wook, Deputy Director of the Central Disease Control Headquarters, said at a regular briefing held at the Osong Disease Control Headquarters in Chungbuk on the same day, "Social distancing generally shows significant effects about a week after implementation."

As confirmed cases surged mainly in the Seoul metropolitan area, the government raised the quarantine level in the metropolitan area to Level 2.5, which is practically equivalent to Level 3, for eight days from the 31st of last month to the 6th of this month.

Deputy Director Kwon stated, "It is true that the effect of social distancing appeared later than initially expected," but added, "We expect the strengthened social distancing measures to have a synergistic effect after the weekend."

Regarding the number of new confirmed cases dropping to the 100s for the first time in 17 days, the quarantine authorities described the situation as 'very precarious.' Deputy Director Kwon said, "Even though the number fell below 200, it is still effectively a three-digit figure," and added, "Although it appears that the scale of cases has decreased compared to the previous day, we will not relax vigilance until the full effect of social distancing is observed."

Meanwhile, the government will decide this weekend whether to extend the strengthened social distancing measures in the metropolitan area. Son Young-rae, Head of Strategic Planning at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, said on the same day, "We will reach a conclusion around the weekend on whether to extend or end Level 2.5," and added, "We have begun discussions while observing the pattern of patient occurrences and the distribution of cluster infections."

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