From Restaurants to Ski Resorts... Sighs Amid Repeated Large and Small Group Infections

COVID-19 Social Distancing Level 3 Criteria Met
Third Wave Cannot Identify Specific Infection Clusters
Government "Discussing Level 3 but Situation Still Manageable"

As new coronavirus (COVID-19) cases accumulated at the Pagoda Town restaurant and singing class in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 9th, officials from the Jongno-gu Public Health Center set up a mobile screening clinic on a street near Pagoda Town to collect specimens from merchants and visitors. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy reporters Han Seung-gon and Kim Young-eun] As new cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) continue to surge, consideration of social distancing level 3 has been initiated.

Unlike the first and second waves, the current 'third wave' is marked by ongoing cluster infections of various sizes rather than infections within specific groups, increasing public anxiety.

According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters (CDCH), as of midnight on the 17th, the number of new domestic COVID-19 cases was 1,014, marking the second consecutive day with over 1,000 cases following the 16th. Since the first confirmed case in Korea on January 20th this year, this is the first time new cases have exceeded 1,000 for two consecutive days.

The third wave shows a different pattern compared to the earlier first and second waves. In February, COVID-19 spread mainly among members of the Shincheonji Daegu Church. The outbreak linked to Itaewon clubs in May also spread primarily around those clubs. Because the transmission routes were clear, efforts focused on blocking the spread centered on these locations, successfully preventing further infections.

However, the recent spread pattern is not limited to specific groups but involves individual infections spreading into cluster infections. The CDCH estimates that transmission likely occurred during meals at workplaces, private gatherings, or in enclosed spaces, even when masks were worn at other times.

Additionally, as social distancing measures tightened, restrictions on dining at restaurants, cafes, and pubs during evening hours led to increased crowds during daytime and a balloon effect where people traveled to non-metropolitan areas with looser distancing measures for leisure activities, contributing to the current COVID-19 spread pattern.

An interim closure notice is posted on a building in Jongno-gu, Seoul, where a large number of COVID-19 cases were confirmed on the 6th. Photo by Yonhap News

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, in Seoul on the 16th, following the first confirmed case on the 12th linked to a construction site in Yongsan-gu, an additional 61 people were confirmed positive in a cluster.

Also, cumulative confirmed cases related to an indoor sports facility in Jungnang-gu reached 52, and 29 cases were linked to a correctional facility in Songpa-gu. Epidemiological investigations revealed that although mask-wearing was adequate at the Songpa-gu correctional facility, poor ventilation through windows and shared living spaces contributed to transmission.

Regarding a restaurant in Jongno-gu, since the first confirmed case on the 28th of last month, 216 cases were recorded as of the 11th. Infected individuals from this location visited nearby singing classrooms, causing further spread and a rapid increase in cases. Authorities explained that ventilation inside the restaurant where performances were held was insufficient.

On the 16th, in Daejeon, eight employees at a KF mask manufacturing company in Yuseong-gu were confirmed positive in a chain of infections. In Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Province, after the first confirmed case at Yongpyong Resort ski area on the 13th, 10 cases have been reported. Related to the ski resort, six additional cases were confirmed on the 17th, raising concerns about 'n-th generation infections' in the local community.

A 26-year-old office worker, Mr. A, said, "Many people are making efforts to maintain proper distancing, but there seem to be those who act selfishly, which is discouraging. Even though I want to meet acquaintances during the year-end, I am holding back and trying hard, but seeing the daily increase in confirmed cases makes me feel even more depressed."

He added, "Especially when I see news about infections spreading through private gatherings or leisure activities, I wonder if this COVID will ever end. While I hope social distancing level 3 is implemented due to frustration, I also worry that daily life would completely stop and cause more inconvenience. I sincerely hope everyone makes an effort before forced regulations are imposed."

On the 16th, citizens are getting tested at the Jung-gu temporary screening clinic set up at Seoul Station Plaza. The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters announced that as of midnight on the same day, there were 1,078 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the country, bringing the total to 45,442. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

Meanwhile, social distancing level 3 can be raised if the average daily number of locally transmitted cases exceeds 800 to 1,000 for a week or if cases double at level 2.5. The government has begun internal review as the criteria for raising to level 3 have been met, but considering the enormous social and economic damage expected, it is reported that detailed measures are being adjusted with careful deliberation.

Son Young-rae, head of strategic planning at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters, explained at a COVID-19 briefing on the 17th, "The key conceptual criteria for deciding level 3 are whether the quarantine control network has been lost and whether the medical system's capacity has been exceeded. So far, the domestic situation is judged to be enduring with some capacity remaining. We are carefully discussing level 3 while monitoring the situation."

Additionally, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun stated at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters meeting on the morning of the 17th, "Although large-scale gatherings and events have decreased, small gatherings mainly among young people have increased, to the extent that there are no vacant rooms in Gangwon-do or Jeju-do. Most citizens are closely watching the daily case numbers and uniting efforts to reverse the COVID-19 trend. I earnestly ask everyone to cancel all meetings and gatherings and avoid contact with others for safety during this year-end period."

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