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Largest wave of infection looming

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Exam takers wait in line to have their temperatures checked before entering a building at Soongsil University in Seoul, Friday, to take an essay test that is part of the university's admissions process. The essay test came one day after they sat the state-administrated scholastic aptitude test. Yonhap
Exam takers wait in line to have their temperatures checked before entering a building at Soongsil University in Seoul, Friday, to take an essay test that is part of the university's admissions process. The essay test came one day after they sat the state-administrated scholastic aptitude test. Yonhap

By Bahk Eun-ji

Concerns are growing that the ongoing third wave of COVID-19 infections here could be more serious than the first wave in February and March, with the nation seeing the highest number of daily new infections in nine months, Friday.

Adding to the woes are possible gatherings of students who want to enjoy themselves after taking the college entrance exam Thursday.

Bracing for a larger surge of infections, the health authorities and local governments have issued stronger quarantine guidelines, and the central government will soon decide whether to raise its social distancing measures level.

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), despite stricter antivirus measures since last weekend there were 629 coronavirus infections for Thursday, including 600 local cases, raising the total caseload to 36,332.

Epidemiologists are advising the disease control authorities to keep a tight hold on the fast-spreading coronavirus to prevent the test takers from becoming another source of new infections. This is because students who have had a hard time preparing for the exam for a long time might not keep their distance properly as they celebrate with friends and acquaintances.

"We are more concerned right after the college entrance exam, because many people focus only on the test, but once the tension is eased and the students start to gather, there may be a situation where they are out of quarantine management," said Choi Won-seok, a professor at Korea University Ansan Hospital.

The government also asked students and their parents to refrain from eating out or holding gatherings as other procedures for college admissions remain.

"It is no exaggeration to say that the safety of the entire country depends on the test takers as hundreds of thousands of students will travel across the country to take the remaining admissions procedures such as essays and interviews through Dec. 22," Deputy Prime Minister Yoo Eun-hae said in a press briefing at government complex in Seoul.

As the number of patients in Seoul and surrounding areas is hiking, Seoul City said all study cafes, discount stores, department stores, arcades, movie theaters and internet cafes must close at 9 p.m. for two weeks from Dec. 5 to Dec. 18. Convenience stores will be allowed to remain open after that time, and restaurants can provide takeaway and delivery services.

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun also said the government will monitor the current situation until the weekend before deciding on whether to raise the social distancing level further, Sunday.


Bahk Eun-ji ejb@koreatimes.co.kr


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