Seoul City Warns of "Risk of COVID-19 Spread from Large-Scale Weekend Gatherings in Seoul"

Multiple Adjacent Gatherings with 99 Reported Participants Each... Urging Restraint to the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions and Others

On October 9th, Hangul Day, the police controlled the area around Gwanghwamun Square to block sudden gatherings and demonstrations in the city center. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] As the number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) rapidly increases in Seoul and the metropolitan area, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has issued a warning that there is a high risk of infection spreading at the rallies scheduled in downtown Seoul this weekend.

According to Seoul City on the 13th, multiple rallies organized by 42 groups, each with fewer than 99 participants, have been reported for Yeouido and downtown on the weekend of the 14th.

The city explained, "Although the reported number of participants for the 'National People's Rally' gatherings is each under 99, the reported locations are adjacent, so if multiple rallies become large-scale simultaneously, there is a risk of COVID-19 spreading."

Earlier, Seoul City expanded the restriction on rally sizes last month from '10 or more people' to '100 or more people.' Rally organizers have been reporting participant numbers under 99 to avoid these restrictions.

A Seoul city official emphasized, "We strongly urge all groups that reported rallies on the 14th, including the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, to refrain from holding rallies," adding, "We will strictly respond with measures such as filing complaints if quarantine rules are violated or illegal activities occur."

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