"Indoor Mask Wearing, Bars Ignoring?" Concerns Over COVID Spread Among 'No Mask Tribe' in Pubs

Since the 14th, Social Distancing Eased from Level 2.5 to Level 2
Restrictions on Business After 9 PM Lifted
Despite Mandatory Quarantine Rules, 'No Mask Wearers' Rampant in Pubs
Experts Say "Enhanced Social Distancing Measures Must Be Maintained"

Citizens at a restaurant area near the Youth Street in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 15th. The photo is unrelated to specific expressions in the article. Photo by Yeonju Kim, intern yeonju1853@asiae.co.kr

[Asia Economy reporters Han Seung-gon and intern Kim Yeon-joo] "Honestly, no one wears masks in bars, who would?"

With the easing of social distancing from level 2.5 to level 2 for two weeks (14th to 27th), cafes, restaurants, pubs, and PC rooms that were restricted from operating after 9 p.m. have resumed business. However, there are concerns that the relaxed quarantine rules might lead to a resurgence of COVID-19.

On the afternoon of the 15th, citizens in bars around Jongno, Seoul, were required to wear masks except when eating, but there was little sign of compliance.

Some even placed their masks off entirely on the table, potentially risking infection to others who would sit there, or removed their masks when leaving the bar despite wearing them upon entry, violating quarantine rules. As a result, with crowds gathering in pubs during evening hours, some view the social distancing guidelines as effectively useless.

From the 14th, the adjustment of restrictions under the transition to level 2 applies to PC rooms, restaurants and bakeries, cafes, academies, and indoor sports facilities. The previous bans on gatherings and business operation restrictions under the strengthened social distancing level 2 have been converted to gathering limits and mandatory quarantine rules.

The quarantine rules include △ maintaining distance between customers by spacing seats △ limiting the number of people per seat △ wearing masks △ keeping visitor logs (except for takeout and delivery) △ providing hand sanitizers inside the premises △ disinfecting surfaces such as tables and handles and ventilating facilities at least twice daily △ and social distancing.

On the afternoon of the 15th, citizens visited a restaurant located in the dining area near the Youth Street in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The photo is unrelated to the specific expressions in the article. Photo by Yeonju Kim, intern yeonju1853@asiae.co.kr

However, from the first day of the level 2 easing, some pubs have failed to properly implement quarantine rules, raising concerns about COVID-19 infections. Some citizens express anxiety about a resurgence and call for stricter national-level quarantine regulations.

Office worker Kim (27, female) said, "Seeing people gather in bars as if waiting for the guidelines to be relaxed, even though daily confirmed cases are still in the hundreds, made me sigh," adding, "Since COVID-19 is not over yet, shouldn't we be cautious until the end?"

Kim emphasized, "Not only are people not wearing masks, but many are talking closely together, so personal quarantine cannot be effective," and stressed, "Everyone needs to be careful during this sensitive time."

Housewife Park (31, female) said, "Thinking about the elderly struggling not to leave their homes and children unable to attend school, I believe people should refrain from spending time in bars late at night," and questioned, "Is it really that hard to drink at home?"

She added, "We must not forget the moments when the whole nation suffered from the COVID-19 cluster infection at Itaewon clubs last May, and individuals need to be patient," and condemned, "Selfish behavior could prolong the end of COVID-19."

There were also opinions that, given the nature of pubs where wearing masks at all times is difficult, separate operational regulations should be established.

Office worker Kim (30, male) said, "In cafes, people wear masks except when drinking coffee and talk, but it makes no sense that there is no separate crackdown on pubs where infection risk is especially high," adding, "I think it is time to create separate regulations or impose operational restrictions on pubs to prevent gaps in quarantine."

Kim stressed, "Some may think this unfairly targets small business owners, but preventing the spread of COVID-19 is the most important thing right now," and said, "Whether small business owners warn customers or the government enforces strict regulations, measures are necessary."

A bar alley in Gangnam. The photo is unrelated to specific expressions in the article. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Experts pointed out that easing social distancing at a time when the number of patients with unknown infection routes is increasing is premature and advised maintaining strengthened distancing.

Professor Lee Jae-gap, an infectious disease specialist at Hallym University Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, appeared on CBS Radio on the 11th and said, "We expect there are quite a few infected or residual infected people in the community that we do not know about," adding, "Because of such people, confirmed cases continue to increase in important places related to daily life such as hospitals and workplaces, so we need to lower the level of outbreak to achieve a stable situation."

Professor Lee said, "With Chuseok approaching, if the current outbreak situation is not controlled and continues for 2 to 3 weeks, it will be very difficult until Chuseok," and added, "This uncertain prolongation itself could cause more damage to the economy."

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