"'N-th wave infections' persist... Citizens express 'concern' over easing to social distancing level 2"

Social Distancing in the Seoul Metropolitan Area Eased to Level 2 for 2 Weeks
Scattered Cluster Infections Persist... 'Kkamkkami' Patient Rate Also at 23.9%

Social distancing measures, which were strengthened due to the resurgence of COVID-19, will be downgraded to level 2. The photo shows citizens wearing masks and taking a walk at Seokchon Lake in Songpa-gu, Seoul, on the 13th. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] As the government lowered the social distancing measure in the Seoul metropolitan area from level 2.5 to level 2 starting on the 14th, voices of concern have emerged. Critics argue that the measures were eased prematurely amid a situation where the daily number of new confirmed COVID-19 cases has remained in the 100s since the 3rd, showing no signs of slowing down the spread of the virus.

In particular, concerns are growing as the so-called 'kkamkkami patients'?those whose infection routes are difficult to trace?still account for over 20%, and sporadic small-scale cluster infections continue to occur throughout local communities.

On the afternoon of the 13th, Park Neung-hoo, Minister of Health and Welfare, stated at the regular briefing of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, "Thanks to the public's efforts to pause their livelihoods and daily lives and adhere to social distancing," adding, "We will ease social distancing in the metropolitan area to level 2 until the 27th and implement precise quarantine measures by strengthening the quarantine of high-risk facilities."

The government made this decision based on the assessment that the effects of social distancing level 2, which began on the 16th of last month, are becoming apparent, and that the strengthened distancing measures threaten the livelihoods of small business owners and the working class.

Accordingly, franchise-type cafes and bakeries, which were completely banned from indoor use under social distancing level 2.5, will be allowed to operate normally starting from the 14th.

However, gatherings, meetings, and events with more than 50 people indoors or 100 people outdoors remain prohibited. The ban on gatherings at 11 types of high-risk facilities, including clubs, room salons, karaoke rooms, and buffets, will be maintained.

On the 11th, at the screening clinic of the National Medical Center in Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by [photographer's name].

Some express concerns about this decision. This is because the number of new COVID-19 cases has not dropped below 100, and cluster infections continue to occur in local communities. There are also warnings that easing social distancing measures prematurely could backfire.

Office worker Kim (27) said, "I was surprised that social distancing was eased to level 2 when we should be putting all our efforts into quarantine ahead of Chuseok," adding, "It would be better to take strong measures in a short period rather than dragging this out ambiguously."

He continued, "Citizens are the ones who get tired when social distancing continues. As COVID-19 persists, people's awareness has become complacent," adding, "In this situation, easing social distancing to level 2 is worrisome. From a quarantine perspective, maintaining level 2.5 or even raising it to level 3 might have been the right answer."

Concerns are especially growing in the metropolitan area, where confirmed cases continue to emerge mainly from previously identified cluster infection sites. As of 12 PM on the 13th, the Central Disease Control Headquarters (CDCH) reported that 12 additional positive cases related to the August 15th rally in downtown Seoul were confirmed, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 577.

Additionally, six more cases were added related to Severance Hospital in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, bringing the total to 29, and three more cases related to a mountain caf? gathering in the metropolitan area increased the total to 38, indicating that cluster infections within the metropolitan area continue to have an impact.

Another issue is the 'kkamkkami patients' whose infection routes are difficult to trace. Since it is hard to identify the initial infection route for these patients, tracing contacts is challenging, increasing the risk of secondary infections.

According to the CDCH, the proportion of 'kkamkkami patients' with unclear infection routes was 23.9% (593 out of 2,477) over the past two weeks. Initially, the quarantine authorities aimed to keep this proportion below 5%, but the current rate exceeds the target by more than four times.

Social distancing measures, which were strengthened due to the resurgence of COVID-19, will be downgraded to level 2. The photo shows citizens wearing masks and taking a walk at Seokchon Lake in Songpa-gu, Seoul, on the 13th. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

As a result, some citizens are expressing concerns about the upcoming Chuseok holiday. There is a high risk that quarantine guidelines will not be followed during interregional travel, ancestral rites, and family gatherings amid the ongoing spread of COVID-19.

Office worker Lee (27) said, "I wonder if it wouldn't have been better to ease social distancing after the Chuseok holiday," adding, "If social distancing is eased now, some citizens will surely think, 'We can relax a bit.' Such complacency could make things difficult for many."

He added, "I hope the government issues clear guidelines during the holiday. If the government does not take action during Chuseok, the number of confirmed cases might double again," expressing concern.

Meanwhile, experts have also stated that it is still too early to ease social distancing measures. On the 11th, Professor Lee Jae-gap of the Department of Infectious Diseases at Hallym University Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital appeared on CBS Radio and said, "We should continue (level 2.5) for now," emphasizing the need to extend the strengthened distancing measures.

Professor Lee said, "The high number of confirmed cases is a problem, but more importantly, over 20% of patients have unclear infection routes," adding, "We expect there are quite a few infected people in the community that we do not know about." He continued, "Since confirmed cases continue to increase in important places related to daily life such as hospitals and workplaces, we need to lower the level of outbreak a bit more to achieve a stable situation."

There is also a view that the effect of strengthened social distancing is not yet certain. Professor Eom Jung-sik of the Department of Infectious Diseases at Gachon University Gil Medical Center appeared on CBS Radio's 'Sisa Jaki Jeong Gwanyong Imnida' and pointed out, "Usually, it takes 2 to 3 weeks to see the effects when changing distancing levels, but it has not even been two weeks yet."

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