[On-site Video] "We Must Eliminate COVID-19" First Day of 'Level 4' Implementation... Bars and Streets Both 'Stop'

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon, PD Yoon Jin-geun] "There is also the 4th level of social distancing, so we must follow the quarantine rules well." , "I purposely made an appointment for two people."

On the 12th at 6 p.m., the first day the highest level 4 social distancing was applied in the metropolitan area, the so-called 'food alley' such as the pub street in Euljiro, Seoul, showed a quiet appearance. Citizens said about the application of level 4 social distancing this time, "I want to get rid of COVID-19 for sure with this opportunity."

A man in his 20s, A, who said he visited Euljiro 'Nogari Alley' from Anyang, Gyeonggi-do, said, "I came to Euljiro with an appointment made for two with a friend," and explained, "Under level 4 social distancing, gatherings of more than two people after 6 p.m. are prohibited, so I made the appointment like this."

Another citizen in his 20s, B, also said, "Originally, we planned to eat with four people, but because of level 4 social distancing, we came to eat with only two." He added, "The usual Euljiro Nogari Alley and the current appearance seem very different."

Meanwhile, the taxi stand at Seoul Station also showed a deserted and quiet scene. As of 7 p.m. that day, taxis were waiting for passengers with the 'empty' indicator light on at the stand. The crowd had practically decreased sharply, and at subway stations and bus stops, citizens hurrying to leave work were continuously coming and going.

According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters, as of midnight that day, the number of new COVID-19 confirmed cases was 1,100, marking six consecutive days of over 1,000 cases since the 7th (1,212 cases). Accordingly, the quarantine authorities applied level 4 social distancing in the metropolitan area for two weeks starting from the 12th. Under this measure, private gatherings are allowed up to four people before 6 p.m. and only two people after 6 p.m.

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