Government: "Reversing the Spread Trend in the Metropolitan Area is Crucial... Negative on Uniform Elevation of Social Distancing in Non-Metropolitan Areas"

"Considering Overall Factors Such as Changes in Patient Numbers and ICU Ratios... Closely Monitoring Next Week's Situation"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] The quarantine authorities expressed that "whether the spread reverses is the most important" regarding the adjustment of the Level 4 social distancing measures in the metropolitan area, which are in effect until the 25th of this month. Regarding the timing of the adjustment, they stated, "The principle is to announce a day or two in advance, but the situation is currently highly volatile."

On the 15th, Son Young-rae, head of the Social Strategy Division at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, said at a COVID-19 briefing, "(It is) difficult to clearly specify the announcement timing, but next week's volatility is important," adding, "In such a highly volatile situation as these days, it is also important to observe the situation day by day, so we will monitor the situation and try to announce it so that preparations can be made on the ground as much as possible."

When asked whether the spread of the epidemic is expected to be contained by the end of this month when the Level 4 measures conclude, he replied, "No expert would find it easy to judge," but added, "However, since the Level 4 social distancing system is the strongest, if sufficient cooperation from the public is achieved, minimizing social contact will definitely have an infection-blocking effect." He further stated, "When the effect will be reflected can only be known by observing next week's situation," and "The response system will also change depending on the adjustment of the spread."

The authorities explained that various indicators will be comprehensively considered for the adjustment of social distancing beyond just the increase or decrease in patient numbers. Son said, "Along with the increase or decrease in patient numbers, we intend to look at the overall changes in the healthcare system's support capacity and the proportion of critically ill patients," adding, "Since there is a certain time lag before the social distancing effects appear, we will discuss with experts and make decisions."

Meanwhile, as of midnight on the same day, social distancing measures in non-metropolitan areas were raised to Level 2, but the authorities reiterated their negative stance on applying uniform quarantine measures. Some experts argue that since the COVID-19 spread centered in the metropolitan area is moving to non-metropolitan areas, a uniform increase in social distancing is necessary.

Son said, "Among non-metropolitan areas, there are regions with large outbreaks and places where the spread is unbalanced between cities and provinces," adding, "Applying consistent quarantine measures itself could violate fairness depending on the region."

He continued, "Currently, the level has been raised to Level 2, and measures to strengthen quarantine in high-risk areas are being applied according to the local situation," emphasizing, "Uniform application could cause more harm than benefit to quarantine effectiveness and may reduce public acceptance."

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