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Mixed responses rise over forthcoming eased social distancing rules

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People stand in line to enter a restaurant in downtown Seoul, Monday. Yonhap
People stand in line to enter a restaurant in downtown Seoul, Monday. Yonhap

By Lee Hyo-jin

The government's latest decision to ease social distancing measures, such as gathering bans and limits on the operating hours of eateries, cafes and entertainment facilities beginning next month has drawn a mixed response from medical experts and business owners.

The experts warn that a premature relaxation of gathering bans may lead to an increase in COVID-19 infections, while small business owners are welcoming the easing of the months-long regulation of their operations.

According to the revised version of the administration's social distancing system unveiled by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, Sunday, the limit on numbers for private gatherings will be increased to a maximum of six people from the current four starting in July in the greater Seoul area, while there will be no upper limit for participants in other regions.

In addition, eateries, cafes and entertainment facilities in Seoul and the surrounding area will be able to operate until midnight, an extension from the current 10 p.m.

Health experts argue that it is too early to ease the regulations starting next month, considering that most of the younger population has yet to be vaccinated against the virus.

"The eased rules will allow casual gatherings and company dinners of up to six people. But given that many young and middle-aged individuals haven't developed immunity yet, this change will likely lead to an increase of infections starting next month as well," said Chon Eun-mi, a professor at the Department of Pulmonology of Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital.

Jung Jae-hun, a professor of preventive medicine at Gachon Medical University, said, "Although the ongoing vaccination program may be helpful in easing the virus situation, it would have been better if the government had delayed the easing of distancing rules by a few more weeks."

A notice attached to a night club in Mapo District, Seoul, Sunday, states that the venue is closed due to a ban imposed on the operation of nighttime entertainment facilities. Yonhap
A notice attached to a night club in Mapo District, Seoul, Sunday, states that the venue is closed due to a ban imposed on the operation of nighttime entertainment facilities. Yonhap

Adding to the concern is that the eased distancing rules may lead to the spread of virus variants, especially the Delta variant, originating from India. It is known to be three times more transmissible than the original virus and 50 percent more contagious than the Alpha variant first reported in the United Kingdom.

Among the 1,964 infections due to variants of the coronavirus in Korea, 155 were caused by Delta, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).

"In the U.K., for instance, where nearly half of the population has been fully vaccinated, around 10,000 new cases are being reported daily due to the spread of the Delta virus," Chon said.

Meanwhile, the eased rules were welcomed by small business owners who have been suffering heavy financial damage due to the months-long regulations on operating hours and gathering bans imposed nationwide.

"We see the newly devised social distancing plan as positive, and hope that it will help relieve the burden on micro business owners once it is adopted next month," read a statement released by the Korea Federation of Micro Enterprises, Monday.

"Under the current distancing policies, we have been suffering from unprecedented business restrictions, including suspending business operations and restricting operating hours, which have resulted in severe economic losses," it added.


Lee Hyo-jin lhj@koreatimes.co.kr


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