Mask Off, Face-to-Face Conversations Allowed...The Fearful Smoking Booth

Dozens Gather in Small Spaces
Blind Spots in Quarantine Guidelines
Closed Then Reopened
Measures Needed Like Partitions and QR Check-ins

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] Around 1 p.m. on the 26th, the outdoor smoking booth near Central City Terminal in Seocho-gu, Seoul, was packed with people wanting to smoke after lunch. About 20 people were smoking inside the 36㎡ booth. Most had their masks pulled down to their chins or completely off as they exhaled smoke. People were crowded tightly around the ashtrays and trash bins, and some were facing each other while talking. The sight of dozens of people smoking in a confined space seemed at odds with the ongoing fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Office worker Kim (44) said, "I worry a lot about infection because you have to take off your mask to smoke," adding, "I know social distancing is not well maintained, but since smoking is only allowed in the smoking area, I have no choice but to come here." Due to the high density and poor adherence to quarantine rules, some smoked outside the booth, and many passersby were seen grimacing at the smell.

At a similar time, the booth near Seoul Express Bus Terminal showed a similar situation. About 10 smokers were smoking near the ashtray, and social distancing was equally ignored. People continued conversations holding coffee in one hand and a mobile phone in the other, and spitting on the floor was easily observed. Although a poster titled ‘COVID-19 Smoking Compliance Guidelines’ listed maintaining distance, refraining from talking or facing each other while smoking, and no spitting, it was largely ineffective.

As quarantine guidelines were not properly followed inside the booths, smoking areas began to close one by one. However, as people started smoking next to the closed booths or in non-smoking zones, some local governments have introduced measures to guarantee smoking rights while addressing the issue. Yeongdeungpo-gu resumed operation of seven outdoor booths in the Yeouido area, which had been temporarily closed, starting from the 15th. To resolve crowding, temporary fences were installed to secure additional space. Dedicated personnel were also assigned to monitor violations of quarantine rules. During the temporary fence installation period, the district plans to add a total of seven managers?three in the morning and four in the afternoon?to promote social distancing and compliance with smoking area rules. Additional cigarette butt collection bins were installed, and cleaning staff were increased.

Experts explain that closing booths could pose a greater risk of COVID-19 spread. Professor Cheon Eun-mi of the Respiratory Medicine Department at Ewha Mokdong Hospital said, "If smoking areas are closed and COVID-19 positive individuals smoke on the streets, they could spread the virus to many unspecified people," but added, "It is necessary to devise measures such as installing partitions, implementing a one-person rotation system where smokers do not talk and smoke alone, or using QR check-ins to track who used the booths."

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