Asymptomatic 2030 Group Infection... Will Social Distancing Level 1.5 Be Raised Sooner?

New Daily Cases Highest in 70 Days
2030 Age Group Share Rises from 22% to 31.4%
Falling Temperatures Make Mild Fever Hard to Detect
Increased Contact with Family Before Confirmation
Difficult to Contain, Cases Likely to Continue Rising for Now

[Asia Economy Reporters Choi Dae-yeol and Jo Hyun-ui] The nearly 200 daily new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) are due to cluster infections erupting across the country. Sporadic cluster outbreaks originating in the metropolitan area were not contained in time, spreading nationwide, resembling the pattern seen in the May outbreak linked to Itaewon clubs in Seoul and the nationwide spread following urban rallies in August.

Moreover, with the number of new confirmed cases reaching record highs daily in major countries, the reemergence of the pandemic is intensifying, resulting in 20 to 30 imported cases entering the country each day. Various indicators reflecting the domestic COVID-19 situation remain at level 1 for now, but the government is considering raising social distancing levels as a preemptive measure.

Increasing Young Patients, Delayed Tracing and Containment

Although this is a single-day situation, the 113 new cases reported in the metropolitan area exceeded the key social distancing level 1 indicator of 100 cases (metropolitan standard), which is noteworthy. Since risk assessments are based on weekly averages, the situation needs to be monitored through the upcoming weekend and next week. However, considering that it has become difficult to curb the trend with usual quarantine measures, the number of new confirmed cases centered in the metropolitan area is likely to remain at a similar level for the time being.

On the 13th, when the mandatory mask-wearing measure was fully implemented, related notices were installed at Lotte Department Store in Jung-gu, Seoul. From this day forward, a fine of up to 100,000 won will be imposed for not wearing a mask in multi-use facilities such as public transportation, medical institutions, assembly and protest sites, and indoor sports venues. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

Recently, the COVID-19 outbreak pattern involves continuous emergence of new cluster infections, spreading nationwide, with epidemiological investigations not proceeding swiftly enough to block transmission in time. Although the size of each cluster ranges from fewer than 10 to 30-40 cases, the number of new clusters is high, and with social contacts increasing again after social distancing level 1, virus containment has become difficult. After identifying cluster outbreaks, contacts such as family members, coworkers, and acquaintances continue to emerge over 1 to 2 weeks.

The number of asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic cases who are unaware of their infection has also increased significantly. One of the main symptoms of COVID-19 is a mild fever, but the drop in temperature makes it harder to detect, complicating efforts to find hidden patients. Recently, the number of patients in their 20s and 30s has increased, adding to the burden on authorities conducting epidemiological investigations. According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters, the proportion of patients in their 20s and 30s was about 22% until September but rose to 31.4% this month. Young patients often have almost no symptoms and are likely to continue daily activities such as work and school without realizing they are infected.

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun is presiding over the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters meeting on COVID-19 response held at the Government Seoul Office Building on the 13th.

At Level 1.5, Small and Medium Restaurants Also Subject to Quarantine Rules

The government is considering raising the social distancing level to 1.5, and the level could be increased as early as next week. The decision to raise social distancing levels is made comprehensively based on weekly new confirmed cases, the identification of infection routes, the proportion of elderly patients, and other factors. Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun presided over the Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting and stated that if the upward trend is not controlled, raising the social distancing level should be considered.

The emphasis on proactive quarantine measures such as diagnostic testing is interpreted as part of the same background. Prime Minister Chung ordered the Central Disease Control Headquarters and others to focus on managing vulnerable facilities such as nursing hospitals, expand nationwide preemptive testing, select areas for strengthened quarantine, and operate special quarantine periods during the year-end and New Year holidays with bold and precise measures.

A social distancing notice is posted at a cafe inside a shopping mall in downtown Seoul. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

If the current level 1 social distancing is raised to level 1.5, masks will be mandatory not only in key and general management facilities but also in outdoor sports stadiums. High-risk activities such as dancing and moving between seats will be prohibited in entertainment venues including clubs, room salons, karaoke bars, colatecs, and hunting pubs. Eating will be prohibited in singing practice rooms and indoor standing concert venues.

Other daily life restrictions will also increase. Religious facilities must conduct regular worship services, masses, and Buddhist ceremonies with seating limited to 30% capacity, and gatherings and meals are prohibited. Sports event attendance will be limited to 30% capacity, and assemblies, demonstrations, large concerts, festivals, and academic events will be restricted to fewer than 100 people.

Restaurants and cafes required to have partitions between tables will expand from large establishments (150㎡) to include small and medium-sized venues (50㎡) at level 1.5. Singing and food service are prohibited in direct sales promotion centers, which must close after 9 p.m. Occupancy limits per area will also be enforced. Including key management facilities such as entertainment venues and singing practice rooms, as well as general management facilities like PC rooms, wedding halls, and funeral homes, only one person per 4㎡ will be allowed.

On the 13th, citizens are lining up to get tested at the COVID-19 screening clinic at Dongdaemun-gu Public Health Center in Seoul.

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