"‘I'm Afraid of Losing My Daily Life Again’ Young Generation-Centered Infection Spread, Citizens 'Anxious'"

Patients Aged 40 and Under Account for 50%
Eight Confirmed COVID-19 Cases Linked to Korea University Ice Hockey Club
Experts Urge "Avoid Gatherings to Prevent Cluster Infections"

Since mid-last month, the number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection in South Korea has shown a clear increasing trend. In particular, it has been found that the proportion of patients aged 40 and under accounts for 50%. The photo is unrelated to specific expressions in the article. Photo by Yonhap News.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] As the number of new domestic COVID-19 cases continues to rise in the 200s for three consecutive days, there is growing concern among citizens due to the rapid spread of COVID-19, especially among younger age groups. In particular, the increase is centered around various small gatherings such as family and acquaintances, raising concerns about the high risk of infection.

Experts suggest avoiding the 3Cs (crowded places, close-contact settings, and confined spaces) and strictly adhering to personal quarantine guidelines, as the spread is mainly occurring through gatherings of family and acquaintances.

According to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) on the 16th, the proportion of patients aged 40 and under from October 11 to November 7 was 49.1%, which is 10.8 percentage points higher than the 38.3% recorded a month earlier (September 13 to October 10).

This means that the proportion of young and middle-aged patients under 40 has reached 50%, indicating a pattern of infection spreading mainly among younger people.

Recently, a cluster infection occurred at Korea University, leading to the closure of some on-campus facilities. According to Seongbuk-gu and Korea University, eight students who participated in club activities on campus tested positive for COVID-19. It was reported that they played ice hockey together at the ice rink.

Additionally, some confirmed cases were found to have attended on-campus classrooms and research labs, prompting disinfection measures in those facilities.

Despite the situation, young people feel that frequent year-end gatherings are unavoidable. Kim (27), an office worker, said, "There are more year-end and New Year gatherings these days, and since the number of confirmed cases decreased, I participated in all the meetings. There are many people like me, but when I saw the weekend numbers exceeding 200, the situation seemed to be worsening." He added, "I think I should be careful, but I also have a complacent feeling that if I wear a mask well and follow quarantine rules, it will be okay."

There are also opinions that workplace dinners cannot be refused. Another office worker, Choi (36), said, "I know I should refrain, but it's hard to skip because it's a company dinner. Even if I'm scared of getting infected and want to leave early, it's part of social life, so there are many things I can't avoid."

A cluster infection of the novel coronavirus was identified in an ice hockey club at Korea University. Some facilities, including the ice rink used by the confirmed cases, have been closed. Photo by Yonhap News

As a result, the government issued a preliminary warning with alert attributes on the 15th for the metropolitan area and Gangwon region, where the spread is steep, ahead of raising the social distancing level to 1.5.

Park Neunghoo, the first deputy head of the CDSCH, said at a COVID-19 countermeasure meeting held at the Government Seoul Office, "We are facing another crisis as COVID-19 infections are occurring in various daily life settings," adding, "If the increasing trend is not curbed, raising social distancing measures will be inevitable."

Recently, the pattern of COVID-19 infections has continued in daily life settings such as family or acquaintance gatherings and workplaces, increasing concerns. Especially with year-end parties expected to be a hidden risk, citizens' anxiety is rising.

Various online communities and mom cafes have been criticizing year-end parties and other gatherings. One member said, "Year-end parties are already happening at companies and among acquaintances. It's called a year-end party, but it's just a drinking gathering. Because of COVID-19, they say it's held in November instead of December, which makes no sense. Only the cost of drinks is huge, and the stress is overwhelming."

In response to the situation, the government has emphasized refraining from year-end parties and after-parties. Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun also urged at a COVID-19 countermeasure meeting, "Year-end gatherings where food is shared and close contact is inevitable pose a serious risk of COVID-19 spread," and added, "In a situation where we must coexist with COVID-19, we must change existing customs and cultures ourselves to protect our health and that of our families. Please join forces by refraining from face-to-face gatherings and events during the year-end and New Year holidays."

Experts pointed out the need to refrain from year-end and New Year gatherings to prevent cluster infections.

Professor Kim Woojoo, an infectious disease specialist at Korea University Guro Hospital, said, "Young people are less cautious than the elderly," and added, "Confirmed cases are continuously emerging, so if attendance is not essential, risky places should be avoided."

Regarding claims that following quarantine rules is sufficient, he said, "You should not only wash your hands and wear masks when necessary. You must continuously follow rules such as maintaining a distance of more than 2 meters, washing hands, and wearing masks. High-risk places where close contact occurs indoors must be avoided. To prevent spread, if you have symptoms, you should get tested immediately."

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