Calls Grow Louder to Raise Social Distancing to Level 2

Raising the Metropolitan Area to Level 1.5 Tomorrow
Proactive Measures Needed to Curb Spread
Experts: "It May Already Be Too Late, But Social Distancing Should Be Raised to Level 2"

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] On the 18th, as the number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) surged to 313, calls have been raised to elevate social distancing to Level 2.

Although some regions or local governments have raised social distancing to Level 1.5, proactive measures are deemed necessary to curb the spread. Unlike in the past, the recent outbreak pattern involves cluster infections occurring nationwide, followed by transmission to close contacts such as family and acquaintances, where infection prevention is difficult to fully enforce. Experts pointed out that to reduce contact, heightened awareness among ordinary citizens is essential.

Professor Kim Woo-joo of the Infectious Diseases Department at Korea University Guro Hospital said, "When strengthening distancing, concerns arise about damage to the livelihoods of self-employed people and the common economy, but there is little mention of the human toll such as the increase in severe cases," adding, "It may already be late, but it needs to be raised." Professor Lee Jae-gap of the Infectious Diseases Department at Hallym University Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital appeared on 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' on the same day, stating, "We need to prepare to raise it to Level 2," and added, "Since Level 1.5 was delayed, the government may hesitate to raise it to Level 2, but the situation continues to worsen."

On the 18th, as the government raised the social distancing level to 1.5 due to the daily new COVID-19 cases in the Seoul metropolitan area exceeding 100 for five consecutive days, citizens visiting the National Medical Center in Jung-gu, Seoul, were waiting to get tested. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

According to the quarantine authorities, after raising social distancing to Level 1.5 on the 5th in Cheonan and Asan, Chungnam Province, nine basic local governments have either raised or planned to raise their levels. By region, the metropolitan area will be elevated to Level 1.5 starting from the 19th. In the metropolitan area, which has the highest number of patients, Level 1.5 has not even been initiated yet, but the need to raise it to Level 2 is being raised.

Level 2 social distancing is applied when regional outbreaks rapidly increase and the nationwide outbreak is judged to be in its early stages. If Level 1.5 is based on 100 or more cases in the metropolitan area and 30 or more in other regions, Level 2 criteria are met when these numbers double, or when outbreaks spread in two or more regions, or when the nationwide total exceeds 300 cases.

Similarly, factors such as the capacity to accommodate elderly or severe patients and epidemiological investigation capabilities are comprehensively considered. Although the current level has not exceeded the criteria, if the daily new cases surpass 300 for several consecutive days as on this day, it is expected that the criteria could be met sooner than anticipated. This is due to the increase in gatherings as the year-end approaches and the rise in indoor activities during winter, creating an environment conducive to virus transmission.

Under Level 2 social distancing, entertainment facilities such as clubs are prohibited from gathering, and other key management facilities like singing rooms must cease operations after 9 p.m., raising the response level. Restaurants are not allowed to operate on-site after 9 p.m., and cafes can only offer takeout and delivery all day. Wedding and funeral ceremonies are limited to fewer than 100 people, and food consumption is prohibited in movie theaters and performance halls, where seating must be spaced by one seat. Mandatory mask-wearing is expanded to all indoor areas and must also be worn during high-risk outdoor activities.

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