What Do You Think About the Upcoming 'Social Distancing Revision'?

Delta Variant Spreads Worldwide... "Currently Spread to at Least 85 Countries"
Countries Reinforce Quarantine Measures
Citizens Say "Easing Should Be Reconsidered"

At a restaurant in Seoul, an official is putting up a sign that reads "Gatherings of up to 6 people allowed starting next month." The photo is unrelated to specific expressions in the article. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] "Isn't it too soon to ease social distancing?"

Concerns are growing over the implementation of the revised social distancing measures scheduled for July, as the spread of COVID-19 shows no signs of slowing down. Especially with the recent spread of variant viruses known to have higher transmissibility, there are warnings that complacency could lead to an even more severe outbreak. Citizens are also voicing opposition to easing restrictions due to these concerns. Experts have pointed out the need to reconsider some of the relaxed distancing guidelines.

The health authorities plan to implement a significantly eased new social distancing system starting July 1. Accordingly, entertainment facilities that had been closed in the metropolitan area will be allowed to operate, and operating hours for multi-use facilities such as restaurants and cafes will be extended by two hours, from 10 p.m. to midnight.

The problem is that applying the eased distancing system while the COVID-19 spread is not subsiding could lead to an even more intense outbreak.

Meanwhile, the spread of variant viruses is also serious, increasing citizens' concerns. According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters on the 29th, in the past week (June 20?26), 267 confirmed cases of infection with the so-called four major variant viruses from the UK, South Africa, Brazil, and India were reported domestically.

By type, the 'Alpha' variant originating from the UK accounted for the most cases at 189, followed by the Indian Delta variant with 73 cases, the Brazilian 'Gamma' variant with 4 cases, and the South African 'Beta' variant with 1 case.

An announcement informing the reopening of a nightlife venue in Seoul from the 1st of next month is posted at the entrance. The photo is unrelated to specific expressions in the article. [Image source=Yonhap News]

In particular, the Delta variant is known to be more than three times as transmissible as the original virus, requiring caution. The World Health Organization (WHO) stated, "The Delta variant has spread to at least 85 countries, with infections mainly occurring among unvaccinated individuals."

Even in the UK, where vaccination rates are high, new confirmed cases have surged recently due to the Delta variant and others, and in the United States, the number of Delta variant cases nearly doubled in two weeks.

As a result, countries around the world are re-strengthening previously eased quarantine measures. Israel, which had lifted the indoor mask mandate due to rapid vaccination progress, reinstated the indoor mask requirement as Delta variant cases increased. Additionally, Malaysia imposed a nationwide lockdown for a month, and Australia and Bangladesh implemented movement restrictions for one to two weeks.

Among citizens, voices are rising that stricter quarantine measures should be enforced immediately. Especially in South Korea, where vaccination rates are not high, responding to variant viruses is even more challenging.

College student Jeong (24) said, "I think now is the time to maintain social distancing," adding, "Most confirmed cases are concentrated in the metropolitan area, and reopening entertainment facilities in this situation will cause the number of cases to increase exponentially."

Office worker Kim (28) also criticized, "Most people haven't even received their first vaccine dose, so easing restrictions is too early," and pointed out, "With variant viruses emerging worldwide, it is even more worrisome."

He added, "Many office workers will be traveling for summer vacations in July and August, so mobility will increase," and warned, "If we become complacent, the spread will become uncontrollable."

Experts have pointed out the need to reconsider the relaxed social distancing guidelines. Professor Eom Jung-sik, an infectious disease specialist at Gachon University Gil Medical Center, appeared on MBC Radio's 'Pyo Chang-won's News High Kick' on the 24th and noted, "Even by July, only about 10% of people will have completed their second vaccine dose."

He added, "Given that the Delta variant is acting as a threatening factor, revising social distancing and easing quarantine rules carries significant risks," and emphasized, "More careful consideration is needed regarding when to ease restrictions and apply the new measures."

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