'Seol Holiday, Cluster Infections, Variants'... The Triple Minefield on the Path to Level 2

354 New Cases on the 26th
Considering Social Distancing Level 2
Many Variables Cause Hesitation in Easing Measures

On the 24th, when the domestic situation of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) showed a gradual decline, medical staff were collecting specimens at a temporary screening clinic set up at Seoul Station Plaza. The Central Disease Control Headquarters of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency announced that as of midnight, there were 392 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, bringing the total to 75,084. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] As the revised social distancing measures set to take effect next month are scheduled to be announced later this week, the government's calculations have become more complicated. Although the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) has somewhat subsided, placing the country within the Level 2 social distancing criteria, the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday, which involves high mobility, and recent cluster infections originating from religious facilities along with the emergence of variant viruses have raised concerns about a resurgence.

According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters on the 26th, as of midnight, 354 new COVID-19 cases were reported domestically. The weekly average daily number of confirmed cases until the previous day was 370.9, maintaining a level below the Level 2.5 social distancing criteria (national weekly average of 400?500 cases), continuing this trend.

Accordingly, while the health authorities acknowledge the need to adjust the current guidelines?Level 2.5 in the metropolitan area and Level 2 in non-metropolitan areas?they are hesitant to decide on easing restrictions easily. Above all, compared to the first and second major outbreaks domestically, there are more variables to consider beyond the trend of confirmed cases, which is a source of concern. At IEM International School in Daejeon, after the first confirmed case on the 24th, a total of 171 cases emerged within two days, raising fears that it might escalate into a second Shincheonji incident. Additionally, the number of variant virus cases, known for higher transmissibility, has increased by nine within a week domestically, heightening the vigilance of health authorities. However, there are also many voices expressing fatigue over continuing the high-intensity social distancing guidelines that have been in place for over six weeks.

Minister of Health and Welfare Kwon Deok-cheol stated at a briefing the previous day, "The weekly average daily number of patients is around 370, which corresponds to Level 2 social distancing," but added, "Since there is a possibility of variant virus importation and the Lunar New Year holiday is approaching, easing of quarantine measures should be carefully considered."

Experts unanimously agree that the possibility of COVID-19 resurgence remains at any time. However, opinions differ regarding specific measures such as maintaining the current social distancing level. Professor Cheon Eun-mi of the Respiratory Medicine Department at Ewha Mokdong Hospital said, "With the Lunar New Year holiday and school reopening approaching, the government is likely to maintain the current social distancing level and consider adjustments after the holiday," adding, "As the number of variant virus cases increases, it is difficult to conclude that they have not entered the country, and if guidelines are eased, there remains a risk of explosive increases in confirmed cases again." Professor Kim Woo-joo of the Infectious Diseases Department at Korea University Guro Hospital stated, "The current social distancing level has lasted too long and the criteria have become ambiguous, so this time adjustments will be made according to the standards," but added, "However, for variant viruses, genomic sequencing should be expanded for entrants from multiple regions to strengthen response measures."

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