Pilot Application of New Social Distancing Measures Boosts Local Consumption and Economic Vitality (Update)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] As the government conducted a pilot application of the revised social distancing measures, scheduled to be implemented early next month, in certain regions, the number of COVID-19 confirmed cases slightly increased, while local consumption and economic vitality showed improvement.

On the 16th, Yoon Tae-ho, head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters' quarantine team, stated at the regular COVID-19 briefing, "The COVID-19 spread in the pilot application areas is currently generally stable," adding, "In Gyeongbuk, where the revised measures were first applied, the number of cases per 100,000 people was about 0.15 in the week before implementation, and after the pilot application, it has been maintained at a similar level of 0.2."

He continued, "There was also an effect of increased local consumption and economic vitality returning due to the relaxation of private gathering restrictions," emphasizing, "In the 12 counties of Gyeongbuk where the revised measures were first applied, the average consumption over four weeks increased by 8%."

Currently, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Jeollanam-do, Gyeongsangnam-do, and Gangwon-do are piloting Phase 1 of the revised social distancing measures. In Gyeongsangbuk-do, which is conducting the pilot in 16 cities and counties, private gatherings are allowed up to 8 people, but quarantine measures are strengthened by prohibiting gatherings, meals, and overnight stays at religious facilities based on the risk level of each city and county. After the quarantine situation stabilizes, these measures will be relaxed flexibly. Jeollanam-do has been piloting the measures across all its 22 cities and counties since May 3, allowing private gatherings of up to 8 people and limiting seating at religious facilities to within 30% capacity.

The authorities evaluated, "Along with the relaxed quarantine measures due to the pilot application of the revised distancing plan, quarantine for the elderly is being strengthened according to regional characteristics, and special quarantine activities such as focused inspections on violations of quarantine rules at tourist sites are being conducted, resulting in overall stable management of the epidemic situation."

However, in some areas where cluster infections occurred, local governments raised the distancing levels and strengthened quarantine measures. According to the authorities, this has led to a transition to a calming trend in infections, confirming that the stepwise quarantine measures are also working effectively.

The number of cases per 100,000 people before and after the pilot introduction slightly increased from 0.15 to 0.2 in Gyeongbuk and from 0.3 to 0.34 in Jeonnam.

Additionally, it was confirmed that local consumption increased and economic vitality among small business owners and self-employed individuals improved due to the relaxation of private gathering restrictions and the application of the revised plan. In the 12 counties of Gyeongbuk where the plan was first introduced, the average consumption growth rate over four weeks was 7.8%. In Jeonnam's 18 cities and counties, franchise store usage increased by 2.9%, and multi-use facility usage increased by 5.3%.

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