"Quarantine Without Lockdown" Despite 1,000 Confirmed Cases... Only Emphasizing 'K-Quarantine'

Over 1,000 Confirmed Cases... Moon Emphasizes "K-Quarantine Strong in Crisis"
Cheong Wa Dae National Petition Criticizes Government's "Number Game Without Raising to Level 3"
Kim Woo-joo: "Bed Shortage, Rising Deaths Emergency... Quarantine Must Be Strengthened"

President Moon Jae-in is delivering a congratulatory message via video on the 14th at the '60th Anniversary Ceremony of the Signing of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Establishment Agreement.' [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] As the number of new domestic COVID-19 cases has reached the 1,000s, some are continuing to call for raising social distancing to Level 3. However, the government has shown caution about raising to Level 3, citing 'K-Quarantine,' which has led to criticism that concerns over the spread of COVID-19 are growing.

President Moon Jae-in reiterated the success of K-Quarantine at official events on the 13th and 14th, emphasizing "quarantine response without lockdown" and "stronger in times of crisis." However, the current Level 2.5 social distancing measures have not resulted in a clear decrease in confirmed cases. Experts stressed that the shortage of intensive care beds and the increase in deaths are becoming a reality, urging the urgent need to raise social distancing to Level 3.

At the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters meeting on the 13th, President Moon stated, "Raising social distancing to Level 3 is a critical phase that must be considered." This came after the daily new domestic COVID-19 cases exceeded 1,000 for the first time on the 12th, as he personally chaired the meeting to emphasize the urgent situation.

However, President Moon showed caution about raising social distancing to Level 3. While calling it "the greatest crisis since COVID-19 entered the country," he also said, "The pain and damage caused by raising to Level 3 are unimaginable," urging citizens to practice social distancing. He added, "K-Quarantine has been stronger in times of crisis."

On the following day (14th), in a message commemorating the 60th anniversary of the OECD founding treaty, President Moon again emphasized the achievements of K-Quarantine, stating, "During the COVID-19 response, based on the OECD spirit of coexistence, we continued quarantine and economic activities without border or regional lockdowns."

However, the number of new domestic COVID-19 cases has not decreased, recording 1,078 on the 16th. The nationwide daily average number of patients from the 10th to the 16th was 833, already meeting the Level 3 social distancing application criteria of 800 to 1,000 nationwide.

On the 17th, citizens are lined up waiting to get tested for the novel coronavirus infection at the Jung-gu temporary screening clinic set up at Seoul Station Plaza. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

As a result, voices criticizing the government's quarantine policy are growing among citizens. Although the seriousness of the COVID-19 situation is recognized, there are criticisms that the government hesitates to raise to Level 3 and only emphasizes K-Quarantine.

On the 14th, a petition titled "The public knows why confirmed cases are not decreasing" was posted on the Blue House petition board. The petitioner pointed out, "What achievements have been made with the number game quarantine guidelines that started in September and November?" and asked, "Despite the government's strong recommendations, confirmed cases keep increasing. Is the government the only one who doesn't know the reason?"

The petitioner continued, "People gather at fast-food restaurants, in boarding rooms, motels, year-end party rooms, ski resorts, and study cafes. What use are Level 2 and 2.5 social distancing measures?" and criticized, "This is not pinpoint quarantine but no proper administrative classification, no different from the student supervisor crackdowns of the 70s and 80s."

Meanwhile, Seoul, where the highest number of new confirmed cases is occurring, called raising to Level 3 the "last line of defense" and urged citizens to practice "voluntary social distancing."

Seo Jeong-hyeop, Acting Mayor of Seoul, said at an online COVID-19 briefing on the 16th, "Raising to Level 3 is the last line of defense. Before the time comes when we must forcibly stop activities at Level 3, I ask citizens to voluntarily engage in 'Level 3 social distancing' themselves."

Acting Mayor Seo added, "As the number of confirmed cases increases daily, Seoul's hospital beds are reaching their limit. Seoul has already started preparations assuming a Level 3 raise, and we are also considering additional measures plus support plans to avoid fatal aftereffects on livelihoods and daily life."

Experts diagnosed that the current domestic COVID-19 situation shows dangerous signs such as a shortage of intensive care beds and an increase in deaths, emphasizing the urgent need to strengthen social distancing to Level 3.

Professor Kim Woo-joo, an infectious disease specialist at Korea University Guro Hospital, said, "New confirmed cases have exceeded 1,000, and it is an emergency situation with a shortage of intensive care beds. Daily deaths are also in double digits," emphasizing, "Because this is a matter of public life, quarantine measures must be strengthened promptly."

Professor Kim added, "It is inappropriate for the government, responsible for public life, to expect citizens to voluntarily comply with social distancing. The government should strengthen social distancing. The economy can recover, but public life cannot be restored. Quarantine authorities must prioritize public life above all and implement quarantine policies accordingly."

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