Signs of Reversal in Spread... Seasonal Factors and Ban on Entertainment Venue Gatherings Effective

Citizens visiting the temporary screening clinic set up at Seoul Station Plaza on the 2nd are undergoing COVID-19 testing. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chun-hee] Health authorities have analyzed that the spread of COVID-19 is showing signs of slowing down somewhat due to seasonal factors such as increased outdoor activities as the weather warms up recently, along with the effect of the ban on gatherings at entertainment facilities.

Son Young-rae, head of the Social Strategy Division at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, said in a morning briefing on the 3rd, "Last week, the outbreak showed a slight decreasing trend," adding, "We need to observe further, but if this week also shows a decline, we can fortunately consider it a reversal."

Son attributed this trend to seasonal factors and the ban on gatherings at entertainment facilities. He analyzed, "The biggest factor is considered to be seasonal. As the weather becomes milder, outdoor activities increase more than indoor ones, and indoor facilities also become easier to ventilate, which together seem to have strengthened the suppression of the spread." In addition, the effect of the ban on gatherings at entertainment facilities in areas under level 2 social distancing implemented three weeks ago is contributing to the slowdown in the spread.

Son explained, "Typically, coronavirus activity decreases as temperatures rise," but added, "The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, did not show a significant decline in spread during last year's hot season, and there was no noticeable reduction in outbreaks in the warm southern hemisphere this winter." He further noted, "It is still inconclusive whether COVID-19 shares similar temperature and humidity characteristics with common coronaviruses."

However, Son emphasized, "What is certain is that ventilation and outdoor activities are beneficial for preventing COVID-19," stating, "Since crowded indoor spaces are vulnerable environments for infection, the more people engage in outdoor activities, the lower the risk of infection compared to indoors." He also added that indoor facilities with improved ventilation have a reduced risk of infection.

Nevertheless, he suggested that the risk of COVID-19 infection might increase as the weather gets hotter. He warned, "There was an experience where starting to use air conditioning around July led to more people gathering indoors and closing windows, which caused an increase in outbreaks in August." He cautioned that if ventilation is poor, infection spread could increase even as temperatures rise.

Son Young-rae, Head of Strategic Planning Division at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (Spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Welfare) [Photo by Yonhap News]

Health authorities also evaluated the many holidays this month, such as Children's Day (5th) and Buddha's Birthday (19th), as negative factors, along with the spread of the UK variant virus in the Ulsan region.

Son pointed out, "Various family month events and holidays may lead to increased movement and gatherings," identifying this as a risk factor. He added, "A significant number of (UK) variant viruses have been detected mainly in the Ulsan area," and stated, "We judge that controlling the outbreak in this region is important." He also mentioned, "Ulsan city and health authorities are closely discussing and making efforts to block the spread."

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