"Mask Off, Spitting... 'After Club' Becomes a Hole in Quarantine Measures"

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-yoon] Clubs that have resumed operations following the easing of social distancing measures are once again being identified as blind spots in quarantine efforts. This is due to frequent violations of quarantine rules, such as smoking without wearing masks and close contact among patrons, as well as the common practice of visitors circulating among multiple clubs in a single day.

Since the easing of social distancing measures on the 15th (currently Level 2 in the metropolitan area and Level 1.5 in non-metropolitan areas), about eight clubs in Seoul have resumed operations as of the 20th. Under the current Level 2 social distancing rules in the metropolitan area, clubs are allowed to operate from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Because clubs must close by 10 p.m., they have devised their own countermeasures. They have changed their operating style to so-called “after clubs,” which operate from 5 a.m., when the operating restrictions are lifted, until noon. Some clubs start operating in the early afternoon and remain open until 10 p.m., or split their operations into two sessions, morning and afternoon.

However, in most clubs that have opened, quarantine rules are not being properly followed. For example, at a club in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, visited in the early morning hours the previous day, many patrons were seen without masks. Some were smoking with their masks lowered, spitting on the floor, or not wearing masks at all. Although several security guards, known as “guards,” were stationed inside the club, they did not intervene in these situations. Similar conditions were observed in other clubs as well.

While clubs are allowed to operate, dancing and moving between tables are prohibited, mask-wearing is mandatory, and only one person per 8 square meters is allowed inside. Additionally, indoor smoking is prohibited, and an electronic entry log system must be in place. Patrons must maintain a distance of at least 2 meters (minimum 1 meter) from each other inside the facility. However, these quarantine rules are rarely properly enforced. Especially since many patrons visit multiple clubs during the same time period, the risk factors for mass infections are always present.

Meanwhile, according to health authorities and local governments including the Seoul Metropolitan Government, 384 new COVID-19 cases were reported nationwide over 21 hours from midnight to 9 p.m. on the same day. This is 19 fewer cases compared to the same time the previous day. In Seoul, 130 new cases were reported, which is 15 more than the previous day during the same time frame.

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