Mokpo Social Distancing Raised, Concerns Over 'Balloon Effect' in Namaak Downtown

'Round 2, Let's Head to the Next Neighborhood!' Drunk People Ignore COVID-19

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Seunghyun Jeong] Mokpo City in Jeonnam Province recently raised social distancing measures due to a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases, raising concerns that a ‘balloon effect’ may occur in the nearby Namak area of Muan County.

Mr. A, the owner of a pub located in Hadang-dong, Mokpo, sighed after hearing a customer say, “Since Mokpo’s bars close by 10 p.m., let’s go to Namak for the second round.”

In fact, the city issued an administrative order temporarily restricting restaurants, cafes, and bars to operate only until 10 p.m. from the 27th to the 2nd of next month.

Mr. A also expressed concern, saying, “Although I am not pleased with the city’s decision, I respect it as it is aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19. However, without cooperation from the neighboring local government, Muan County, this may be only a half-hearted response.”

Looking at recent COVID-19 infection cases in the area, most transmissions occurred in restaurants or bars, so while many citizens agree with the administrative order, there is disappointment over the lack of coordinated COVID-19 measures with the neighboring local government.

Especially since the Namak area and Mokpo are so close that they can be considered part of the ‘same living area.’

Kim Gukjong (male, 39), a Mokpo citizen, criticized, “Ignoring the local government’s recommendation to refrain and going over to Namak to continue drinking is like a joint suicide act. I really question whether it is necessary to drink while disregarding the safety of family and coworkers.”

Meanwhile, on the 28th, one new COVID-19 case was confirmed in Mokpo and three in Namak, and since their infection routes overlap, coordinated administration between the two local governments seems inevitable for social distancing measures.

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