Just Before Social Distancing Adjustment... Warning Signs of the 4th Wave Surge

Loosened Quarantine Tensions
Infection Concerns in All Everyday Spaces
Key to Herd Immunity Formation Through Vaccination

Social Stigma Against Confirmed Cases Persists
Difficulties in Interpersonal Relations Even After Recovery

[Asia Economy Reporters Seo So-jeong, Kim Ji-hee, Lee Chun-hee] As the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases in South Korea surpassed 100,000 on the 25th, infections have occurred at a rate of one in every 500 people. In particular, the number of confirmed cases rapidly increased after exceeding 50,000 on December 21 last year. The third wave of the pandemic has yet to end, and with recent easing of vigilance regarding COVID-19 prevention measures, warnings about a possible fourth wave are mounting. Alongside this, despite personal efforts to prevent infection, many people are still testing positive or being classified as close contacts, leading to calls for society to avoid stigmatizing these individuals.

◆"Infections Occur in All Everyday Spaces"= The number of confirmed cases has been rising sharply. On the 1st of this month, the cumulative number was 90,024, but it rose to over 100,000 within 24 days. The impact of the third wave, which began in earnest in mid-November last year, has continued for five months, with the number of cases stagnating in the 300-400 range. The prolonged pandemic has led to decreased vigilance and increased mobility, which are cited as causes. The presence of three variants from the UK, South Africa, and Brazil, as well as other variants from the US, also pose threats.

Kang Do-tae, the 1st General Coordinator of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (Vice Minister of Health and Welfare), said at the Central Disaster Management Headquarters meeting held at the Government Seoul Office that "In the past two weeks, about 30% of infections have been due to person-to-person contact, and over a quarter of cases are still under investigation for infection routes, indicating that infections are occurring in almost all everyday spaces." He urged, "Please do not forget that the crisis is not over and adhere to prevention measures such as wearing masks, washing hands, and social distancing at all times."

Experts have called for more proactive prevention measures to reverse the trend of increasing cases. Professor Ki Mo-ran of the National Cancer Center said, "To drastically reduce confirmed cases, testing must be significantly increased." She added, "Strengthening PCR and rapid antigen testing at temporary screening centers currently in operation is necessary, and in remote areas or industrial complexes densely populated by foreigners where accessing testing centers is difficult, limited self-testing methods should also be considered."

Above all, increasing vaccination rates to accelerate herd immunity formation is crucial. Professor Kim Woo-joo of Korea University Guro Hospital’s Infectious Diseases Department said, "The biggest regret is missing the opportunity to purchase vaccines while focusing on K-quarantine." He emphasized, "It is urgent to dispel concerns about vaccine side effects and increase vaccination rates to prevent a fourth wave."

Although the government plans to adjust social distancing measures on the 26th (currently Level 2 in the metropolitan area and Level 1.5 in non-metropolitan areas), the possibility of extension is gaining weight as the number of confirmed cases is instead trending upward. Professor Kim pointed out, "Relying on short-term measures such as a 1-2 week special quarantine period is problematic," and stressed, "New adjustments to social distancing that fit the current situation are needed."

◆Confirmed Cases Facing Harsh Stigma= Social stigma against confirmed cases remains strong. Kim (33), a resident of Gwanak-gu, Seoul, was listed as a COVID-19 confirmed case at the end of June last year. At that time, the first wave centered around Daegu and Gyeongbuk had passed, and daily new cases were in double digits, so he thought a small gathering with acquaintances would be safe, which turned out to be a mistake. Two days after the meeting, Kim was informed that one attendee tested positive and was classified as a close contact. Kim immediately underwent testing and was confirmed positive. He recalled, "The hardest part was informing my family and company and contacting those I had met."

He stayed nearly two months at a COVID-19 community treatment center. Although he knew recovery usually took 2-3 weeks, the prolonged hospitalization increased his anxiety. The characteristic loss of smell and taste also troubled him. Kim said, "The lack of treatment options during the recovery period and the uncertainty about when I would fully recover were difficult enough, but above all, the harsh social stigma was very painful."

After being declared recovered in mid-August and leaving the treatment center, the experience of COVID-19 infection still greatly affects Kim’s life even after more than seven months. He said, "Since recovery, I hardly have unnecessary contact or meetings with people," and added, "I wear a mask all day long now." Kim also said, "Now when I see COVID-19 patients, I think they are victims too," and urged, "Society should be more inclusive."

Those who underwent self-quarantine due to contact with confirmed cases share similar concerns. Lee (in his 20s), an office worker, underwent two weeks of self-quarantine last November after a colleague tested positive. Lee explained, "Even after testing negative and starting quarantine, I was worried because of the incubation period," and added, "Since I had meals with the infected colleague, I thought the risk of infection was high, so I was very concerned about the impact on my family and even my father’s workplace."

Jeon (in his 40s), who experienced self-quarantine earlier this year after contact with a confirmed case at work, said, "After completing quarantine safely, appointments scheduled about a week later were canceled one after another." He lamented, "During quarantine, the safety of my young daughter and family was the top priority, but after returning to work, my biggest worry is when people will treat me as they did before."

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