Heo Seok, Mayor of Suncheon, Tearfully Raises Social Distancing to Level 2...Nation's First

Crisis in COVID-19 Situation Despite Proactive Strengthening of Social Distancing
Strong Commitment to Response with Nationwide First Social Distancing Level 2 Upgrade

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Hyung-kwon] Suncheon City raised its social distancing to Level 2 on the 7th, stating that it is in a very serious situation as the infection started at Shinhan Bank workplace and spread to “Gwangyang Steelworks subcontractors, health clubs, restaurants, clusters among village residents, and even schools are now at risk.”

Suncheon City’s social distancing escalation follows the upgrade to Level 1.5 on the 10th, the strengthened Level 1.5 on the 18th, and will be raised to Level 2 starting at midnight tomorrow.

During the first crisis last summer, 64 confirmed cases occurred over 30 days before the infection routes were blocked, but this time, 20 confirmed cases occurred in just one day yesterday, with 58 infections in 13 days, heightening the sense of crisis in quarantine efforts.

Accordingly, gatherings at five types of entertainment facilities including nightclubs are prohibited, and operations of karaoke rooms, restaurants, and cafes are restricted after 9 p.m.

Schools at all levels will operate based on one-third attendance, according to the judgment of educational authorities.

Mayor Heo said, “We have to catch two rabbits, the economy and quarantine, but at this point, to prevent greater economic losses, we cannot help but raise social distancing to Level 2 with tears in our eyes.”

The difference from the first crisis in August is that “COVID-19 has deeply penetrated everyday spaces such as families, acquaintances’ gatherings, sports facilities, saunas, workplaces, schools, and villages, rather than spreading from a few facilities or groups.”

He also said, “The number of confirmed cases with unclear infection sources is increasing,” adding, “This means there are asymptomatic and silent spreaders throughout our society.”

He warned that no one knows when, where, or from whom they might be infected.

Another point is the very rapid transmission speed, with the comment, “It is unknown whether this is due to the evolution or mutation of the COVID-19 virus, but it is characterized by very strong transmissibility.”

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