Seoul COVID-19 Cases Surge... Concerns Over Today's 'Simultaneous Multiple Downtown Rallies'

99 People Reported Gathered at Adjacent Locations for Multiple Rallies... Democratic Labor Union Urges Restraint

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

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] As the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) continues, the Seoul Metropolitan Government on the 14th emphasized refraining from gatherings whenever possible and strictly adhering to quarantine rules regarding the scheduled assemblies in the downtown area.

According to Seoul City, on this day, 42 organizations have applied for multiple assemblies with fewer than 99 participants in Yeouido and the downtown area.

The Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Incheon headquarters of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions and its affiliated and subordinate organizations will hold a rally near Mapo Station on Subway Line 5 from 2 p.m., and the Korean Federation of Public Service and Transportation Workers' Unions will hold a rally near Gongdeok Station on Lines 5 and 6 at the same time. From 3 p.m., a people's rally with 99 participants will be held near Yeouido Park. Assemblies near the National Assembly Station, designated as a prohibited assembly zone by Yeongdeungpo District, and two other locations have been denied.

Seoul City stated, "Although the reported number of participants for the nationwide people's rallies is under 99 each, the assembly locations are adjacent and scheduled around similar times, posing a risk of COVID-19 spread," and "We strongly urge all organizations, including the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, to refrain from holding assemblies."

From 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., conservative groups are scheduled to hold rallies and marches condemning the Moon Jae-in administration and demanding the reinstatement of former President Park Geun-hye in areas including Jongno, Cheonggyecheon, near the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office in Seocho District, and Gangnam Station.

Depending on the size of the assemblies and the march routes, vehicle access including city buses may be restricted in some areas. In such cases, the city plans to temporarily adjust some bus routes. Temporary bus routes can be confirmed by calling the 120 Seoul City Dasan Call Center.

A city official warned, "Regardless of the nature of the assembly, if quarantine rules are not followed or illegal acts occur, we will respond strictly by filing complaints based on on-site evidence."

Meanwhile, in Seoul, additional confirmed cases have emerged mainly in elderly care facilities where group infections occurred, resulting in 74 new confirmed cases in a single day on the 12th, marking the highest number in over two months since September 1. On the 13th, from midnight to 6 p.m., 60 new confirmed cases were already reported.

Since the 'mandatory mask-wearing' policy was implemented from the previous day (the 13th), Seoul City emphasized that citizens must wear masks in multi-use facilities, public transportation, assembly and protest sites, medical institutions, nursing facilities, and day and night care facilities. If a mask is worn but does not fully cover the mouth and nose, it will be considered as not worn, and a fine may be imposed.

A city official urged, "This weekend, citizens should refrain from events, gatherings, and travel. As temperatures drop and indoor activities increase, please practice ventilation, surface disinfection, mask-wearing, handwashing, and social distancing regularly in daily life."

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