"How Much More Can We Do Here?" Citizens Express Fatigue Over Social Distancing Measures

Daily COVID-19 Cases Hit Record High... 1,030 Cases Recorded Previous Day
Public Fatigue Grows Amid Continuous Increase in Confirmed Cases
Experts Say "Measures Stronger Than Social Distancing Level 2.5 Needed"

On the 20th of last month, citizens were coming and going on Myeongdong Street in Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in South Korea has surpassed 1,000. However, concerns are emerging that COVID-19 may spread further as some people are not properly following quarantine rules such as social distancing. This situation is attributed to fatigue caused by the prolonged impact of COVID-19 and a complacent insensitivity to the virus among some citizens.

Given these circumstances, some are even expressing concerns that this could be a critical moment for K-quarantine. Experts have suggested that stronger measures than the current Level 2.5 social distancing are necessary in response to the rapid increase in confirmed cases.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency’s Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters announced on the 14th at midnight that there were 718 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, bringing the total to 43,484. The previous day saw an increase to 1,030 cases, marking the first time the number exceeded 1,000.

Despite the quarantine authorities raising the social distancing level to 2.5, including a complete ban on karaoke rooms, PC rooms, and indoor sports facilities, as well as prohibiting dining inside restaurants after 9 p.m., the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise sharply.

Recent cluster infections mostly occurred due to failure to follow quarantine rules, leading to large-scale transmission. According to the quarantine authorities, at a church in Daegu where a cluster infection occurred, worshippers gathered to eat together and did not properly wear masks. This indicates a failure to comply with social distancing and quarantine rules.

Additionally, about ten worshippers practicing praise songs did not wear masks for 30 minutes, and the praise team did not wear masks during Sunday services. As a result of testing worshippers and their contacts, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases related to this church has risen to 47.

Moreover, multiple 'Hold'em pubs' in Itaewon, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, where people could drink alcohol while playing card games, also reported numerous confirmed cases. These cases were also linked to failure to maintain personal distancing rules in enclosed spaces.

As a result, citizens are expressing fatigue with adhering to social distancing guidelines. There are criticisms that some irresponsible individuals are causing harm. Office worker A (29) said, "I hardly go out except to go to work, but every morning when I wake up, the number of confirmed cases has increased. I gave up all my social relationships this year and followed the government’s guidelines, so what good is it if only I am careful?"

As the number of new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) surges, there are growing calls for raising social distancing measures to Level 3. Photo by Yonhap News

Some have called for raising social distancing to Level 3. They argue that stronger measures, such as completely banning indoor gatherings and events, are necessary.

In this regard, President Moon Jae-in urgently presided over a meeting of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters on COVID-19 held the previous day, stating, "Raising social distancing to Level 3 is a last resort," and added, "I hope the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters prepares thoroughly in advance and makes bold decisions if deemed unavoidable."

President Moon emphasized, "Rapidly identifying infected individuals and breaking the chain of transmission is the fundamental way to quickly suppress the spread," and said, "Emergency deployment of epidemiological investigation support personnel, installation of temporary screening clinics, expansion of testing capacity, and rapid antigen testing are extraordinary response measures aligned with this."

He also urged, "This is the last critical moment before vaccines and treatments are available," and requested, "Given the emergency situation, please especially refrain from meetings and travel as much as possible."

Experts pointed out that since transmission routes are unknown in some cases, the government must implement measures to minimize person-to-person contact.

Professor Kim Woo-joo of the Department of Infectious Diseases at Korea University Guro Hospital said, "The social distancing criteria were revised from Level 3 to Level 5, and detailed guidelines were relaxed. Even if it reaches Level 3, it is not a shutdown like in foreign countries," and added, "I was previously negative about revising the social distancing criteria. At that time, I said it could mean neglecting the three key elements emphasized in K-quarantine: testing, tracing, and treatment."

He continued, "Ultimately, this could lead to the worst-case scenario, including medical staff burden and system collapse. Especially now, when public fatigue has peaked, social distancing is not being well observed," and said, "The environment, including winter weather and fine dust, inevitably enhances transmissibility. The government must now minimize person-to-person contact through strong social distancing and quarantine rules."

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