New COVID-19 Cases in 600s... Authorities "Considering 10 PM Easing and Social Distancing Adjustments if Resurgence Occurs" (Update)

"Current Increase Trend, Difficult to Determine if Temporary or Third Wave Resurgence"

On the 15th, when social distancing in the metropolitan area was eased to Level 2, office workers were having meals at a restaurant in Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] On the 17th, as the number of new confirmed COVID-19 cases jumped to the 600s for the first time in 38 days, quarantine authorities hinted at the possibility of reconsidering measures such as raising social distancing levels and strengthening operating hour restrictions. They also stated that if a resurgence occurs, the planned social distancing restructuring scheduled for next month could be postponed.

Yoon Tae-ho, head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) quarantine task force, said at the regular COVID-19 briefing on the 17th, "Since the Lunar New Year holiday, the number of cases has continued to increase," adding, "It is difficult to determine whether this increase is a temporary phenomenon due to increased testing or a resurgence of the third wave, so we are continuously monitoring the situation closely."

As of midnight that day, the number of new domestic COVID-19 cases was 621, an increase of 164 from the previous day. This is the first time in 38 days since January 10, when 657 cases were recorded, that the number has reached the 600s. From the 11th to the 17th, the average daily number of domestic confirmed cases rose to 405.9.

For now, authorities are on high alert over concerns of a resurgence of the third wave. Yoon emphasized, "Recently, cluster infections have occurred in various living spaces such as hospitals, workplaces, family gatherings, and sports facilities. It is also possible that community infections transmitted during the Lunar New Year holiday could spread significantly after the incubation period," adding, "To ensure that the upcoming spring vaccination proceeds as planned and that students can return to school to regain their precious daily lives, we must absolutely prevent the resurgence of the third wave."

Furthermore, depending on the future trend of confirmed cases, authorities indicated that they may reconsider adjusting social distancing levels or easing operating hour restrictions. The government had previously lowered social distancing levels on the 15th to Level 2 in the metropolitan area and Level 1.5 in non-metropolitan areas, and extended operating hours for multi-use facilities, which were limited to 9 p.m., by one hour to 10 p.m.

Son Young-rae, head of the CDSCH social strategy team, said, "The easing of the metropolitan area’s 9 p.m. operating hour restriction to 10 p.m. and the adjustment of levels are matters that can be reviewed depending on the trend of cases." However, regarding specific schedules, he explained, "We need to analyze the current epidemic pattern, so it is difficult to specify dates or exact timing," adding, "If the spread continues, there is also room to consider strengthening the measures currently in place."

He continued, "We earnestly ask facility managers and the public to strictly adhere to quarantine rules and cooperate to prevent the spread of infection so that the eased measures do not have to be readjusted."

Regarding the social distancing restructuring planned for March, he said, "There will likely be many considerations about the connection with the current restructuring process when adjusting distancing levels," adding, "The plan was to restructure this system into a new social distancing framework when the epidemic situation was relatively stable and under control." He further stated, "If the current epidemic situation enters a phase of resurgence and begins to spread again, confusion may arise in the process of restructuring into the new social distancing system, and the appropriateness of the timing will also be a concern."

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