Health Authorities "Determine That a Certain Level of Social Distancing Must Be Maintained" (Update)

Government officials are practicing social distancing while dining at the government Seoul office cafeteria. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heung-soon] The quarantine authorities have stated that "a certain level of social distancing must be maintained" to firmly suppress the third wave of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in South Korea.

On the afternoon of the 14th, Kwon Jun-wook, the 2nd Deputy Head of the Central Disease Control Headquarters, said at a regular briefing, "There is the Lunar New Year holiday when movement tends to increase, and we also need to prepare for stable vaccinations in February," explaining the reason for this stance.

Deputy Head Kwon pointed out, "(The third wave) has a very wide base of community infection and seasonal factors with increased indoor activities," adding, "Also, considering the possibility of an increase in patients when multi-use facilities resume operations, the risk of resurgence remains if distancing measures are eased."

The government plans to announce the criteria after the current social distancing measures, which are Level 2.5 in the metropolitan area and Level 2 in non-metropolitan areas, end on the 17th, around the 16th. At the Central Accident Response Headquarters briefing on the morning of the same day, remarks were made that leaned toward extending social distancing measures for a certain period, in line with the quarantine authorities' opinions.

Yoon Tae-ho, head of the quarantine task force at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, said, "The core measures are social distancing and the ban on gatherings of five or more people, and it is judged that it may be difficult to lift these immediately." He added, "Since the number of confirmed cases will not rapidly drop to the 100-200 range but will decrease gradually, adjustments to social distancing are necessary considering this. If social distancing is eased abruptly, the number of patients is likely to increase again, so adjustments will be made with this in mind."

The quarantine authorities stated, "Regarding whether and how to adjust social distancing, the final decision will be made by the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters after consultations with experts, related ministries, and local governments based on the characteristics of the third wave and an interim evaluation of social distancing."

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