Government: "Outdoor gathering ban is an excessive measure... There is a risk of infection" (Update)

Crowds gathered at Hangang Park near Ttukseom Resort in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of Saturday the 5th. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Seul-gi] As concerns arise about the 'balloon effect,' where people flock to other areas due to the control of Hangang Park as a preventive measure against the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), the government stated, "Issuing a ban on gatherings in all outdoor spaces is excessive."

On the morning of the 10th, Yoon Tae-ho, head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) quarantine team, explained at the regular briefing held at the Government Complex Sejong, "There is criticism that completely banning gatherings even outdoors is an excessive measure."

However, Yoon emphasized that COVID-19 can spread outdoors if the '3Cs' environment?closed spaces, crowded places, and close-contact settings?is formed, urging citizens to make voluntary efforts and comply with quarantine guidelines.

He warned, "There have been cases of COVID-19 cluster infections even outdoors, such as at campsites. Whether indoors or outdoors, if closed and close-contact conditions occur, infection can happen at any time."

He added, "Since we are focusing inspections on Hangang Park, people move to other places. It is quite difficult to continuously track and take measures."

Yoon concluded, "The public must fully understand that the risk of infection can increase anytime if a close-contact environment is formed even in outdoor places," adding, "Wearing masks and strictly following quarantine rules is the most certain and safest method."

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