Social Distancing Level 4 Also Ineffective... Government Expects Contact and Mobility Increase Impact, Friday Decrease Anticipated (Update)

Increase in Confirmed Cases of Cheonghae Unit Expected Tomorrow (22nd) Due to Contact and Increased Movement
Non-Capital Areas Also Affected by Vacation Season
Decision on Metropolitan Area Social Distancing Measures to Be Made Around the End of This Week for Implementation on the 26th

On the 21st, as the spread of COVID-19 continues, medical staff are sweating profusely under the scorching heat at the temporary screening clinic in the plaza of Sogang University Station in Seoul. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] On the 21st, as the number of domestic COVID-19 confirmed cases reached an all-time high of 1,784, authorities stated that the effects of the Level 4 social distancing measures in the metropolitan area have not yet appeared.

Lee Ki-il, the 1st Controller of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (Director of Health and Medical Policy at the Ministry of Health and Welfare), said at the regular COVID-19 briefing that "It has been about ten days since the upgrade to Level 4. Initially, we expected the effects to appear in about a week at the earliest, but the effects have not yet been seen," adding, "Tomorrow, especially with the addition of the Cheonghae Unit patients, we expect the number of cases to decrease on Friday (23rd) or Saturday."

301 members of the 34th Cheonghae Unit who returned to the country via transport plane underwent PCR testing domestically. As of the 21st, results for 289 of them were received, with 266 confirmed positive. These will be reflected in the confirmed case statistics announced at midnight tomorrow.

Regarding the reason why the spread has not been contained despite Level 4 measures, Controller Lee said, "Basically, contact and usage among people have increased significantly, and the spread of the Delta variant also seems to have an impact." Currently, about half of domestic infections are variant viruses, with the Delta variant accounting for 33%.

He added, "In non-metropolitan areas, seasonal factors such as vacation periods also seem to play a large role. Many confirmed cases are currently occurring in Gangneung, Busan, and Jeju," and urged, "The best way to reduce the current trend is for the public to refrain from gatherings and travel as much as possible."

Additionally, considering the increase in confirmed cases in non-metropolitan areas, authorities decided to strengthen quarantine management for large-scale concerts outside the metropolitan area. From the 22nd until midnight on the 1st of next month, all indoor and outdoor performances held at locations other than registered performance venues in non-metropolitan areas will be prohibited. The restrictions related to performances will be applied equally as in the metropolitan area to minimize interregional movement and prevent a balloon effect.

Son Young-rae, Social Strategy Officer of the Central Accident Response Headquarters, explained, "Currently, in the metropolitan area, performances are only allowed in regular performance halls, that is, facilities established and permitted for performance purposes," adding, "This means the same measures will be applied to non-metropolitan areas, prohibiting all performances temporarily using facilities for other purposes such as gymnasiums, parks, and convention centers." The types of prohibited performances include all genres such as popular music, classical, and musicals.

The Level 4 social distancing measures currently applied in the metropolitan area will remain in effect until the 25th of this month. Regarding adjustments to social distancing thereafter, Controller Lee stated, "We are currently receiving various opinions from related ministries and experts, and a meeting is scheduled for today (21st). After reviewing various indicators such as the current epidemic situation, the infection reproduction number, and mobility, the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters will make a decision and announce it by the end of this week."

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