Social Distancing Level 2.5 Until This Week? "We Are Anxious," Citizens Concerned About COVID Spread

New Weekly COVID-19 Cases Remain in the 100s
Government: "Entering Stable Phase," Decision on Easing Social Distancing by Week's End
Citizens: "Still Too Early," Express Concerns
Experts: "Increase in Cases During Holidays Inevitable if Social Distancing Eased"

On the 8th, while the social distancing level 2.5 was in effect due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection, citizens were resting at an outdoor cafe in downtown Seoul. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy reporters Seunggon Han and Joohee Kang] On the 9th, the government announced that if the decline in new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) continues, it will not further extend the 'Social Distancing Level 2.5' measures in the Seoul metropolitan area. However, some express concerns that easing social distancing could weaken vigilance in adhering to quarantine measures.

The upcoming Chuseok holiday, starting on the 30th, lasts up to five days, and the following weekend includes a three-day holiday due to Hangeul Day, which could increase citizens' mobility and potentially trigger another COVID-19 outbreak.

Experts worry that easing social distancing may lead to laxity in quarantine vigilance. They also point out that the current domestic COVID-19 situation corresponds to Level 3 social distancing and cannot be considered stable.

On the morning of the 9th, Son Young-rae, head of the Strategic Planning Division at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, said at a regular COVID-19 briefing held at the Government Complex Sejong, "The current trend of patient occurrence shows a clear decline and is maintaining a decreasing trend. The number has stabilized in the 100s." He added, "This is a clear positive outcome resulting from the efforts made to adhere to social distancing two weeks ago."

According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters, as of midnight on the 10th, the number of new domestic COVID-19 confirmed cases was 155, maintaining the 100s range for eight consecutive days.

The number of new confirmed cases peaked at 441 on the 27th of last month, when cluster infections in the metropolitan area began in earnest. Since then, the numbers have decreased as follows: 371 → 323 → 299 → 248 → 235 → 267 → 195 → 198 → 168 → 167 → 119. After two consecutive days of increase on the 8th and 9th (136 and 156 cases respectively), the number on the 10th was 155, similar to the previous day. The cumulative confirmed cases totaled 21,743.

Son said, "Outside the metropolitan area, the number of cases nationwide has also decreased to within 50 and continues to be maintained." He added, "If we focus on social distancing for just five more days until the end of this week, we will be able to control COVID-19 in a clearly stable state, and no further extension of the strengthened Level 2.5 social distancing will be necessary."

However, some voices question whether easing the Level 2.5 social distancing measures is too hasty. Although the number of confirmed cases is declining, the daily new cases still remain in the 100s, indicating that it is not yet a situation to be complacent about.

An office worker, A (33), said, "We have just barely entered a slight stabilization phase, but if the government starts sending messages like 'showing signs of stabilization' or 'planning to ease quarantine,' people will naturally become less vigilant." He added, "There are frequent reports that many people are gathering in blind spots of quarantine, such as Han River parks or outdoors. It's frustrating, but I hope Level 2.5 is maintained until a complete decrease is achieved. I still feel very uneasy."

On the morning of the 2nd, a notice about the change in Chuseok ticket reservation dates due to Social Distancing Level 2.5 was displayed on the electronic board at the Seoul Station ticket office. Photo by Yonhap News

The upcoming Chuseok holiday and the consecutive public holidays of Gaecheonjeol and Hangeul Day are also factors causing concern about easing social distancing. Previously, the quarantine authorities designated the Chuseok holiday, when large-scale population movement is expected, as a special COVID-19 quarantine period and requested people to refrain from traveling. However, since this is only a recommendation, the possibility of crowds gathering cannot be ruled out.

Additionally, large-scale urban rallies are scheduled for Gaecheonjeol and Hangeul Day, which remain a source of anxiety. The police have currently imposed bans on these rallies. On the 9th, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun warned, "We will not hesitate to exercise the public authority granted by the people against acts that interfere with quarantine and threaten community safety," indicating that public authority could be enforced if the rallies proceed.

However, there are criticisms that easing social distancing while simultaneously recommending reduced movement during the holidays and restricting gatherings and rallies are contradictory measures.

Experts point out that the current domestic COVID-19 situation cannot be considered stable and that easing social distancing may weaken vigilance in quarantine.

Professor Eom Jung-sik, an infectious disease specialist at Gachon University Gil Medical Center, told Asia Economy in a phone interview, "According to the original social distancing levels, the current situation should be at Level 3, but now it is at Level 2.5, and next week it is planned to be lowered to Level 2. This decision does not align with quarantine standards."

He continued, "If the government sends a message of 'stabilization,' vigilance in quarantine will naturally decline. Initially, social distancing should be raised to Level 3, and if no confirmed cases occur for at least two weeks, only then can it be called a stable situation."

Professor Eom added, "In terms of quarantine targets, only some industries where confirmed cases have occurred have business restrictions, but other industries also have risk factors. These areas remain blind spots in quarantine. There is inconsistency in quarantine measures." He expressed concern, saying, "It is difficult to expect no confirmed cases during the Chuseok holiday under these circumstances."

He emphasized, "Maintaining the number of cases in the 100s cannot be considered a stable situation. After seeing definite effects from raising to Level 3, social distancing should be eased gradually."

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