ILLUSTRATION. The spread of the corona virus in Seoul
Source: Reuters | Editor: Anna Suci Perwitasari
KONTAN.CO.ID – SEOUL. The spike in coronavirus cases that have occurred again in the Seoul area has prompted the local government to impose the use of masks in public places, both indoors and outdoors. This is the first time Seoul has implemented the policy, to contain the spike in cases of the new corona virus.
Quoting Reuters, in May, the Seoul government only made it mandatory to wear masks on public transport and taxis. However, the spike in cases of the new coronavirus that has occurred in the past week has made health officials worried that the State of Ginseng may need to impose the highest level of social distancing.
Monday (24/8), the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) reported 266 new cases over the past 24 hours. This number is down from the 397 new infections reported a day earlier, but it continues the triple digit addition of new cases in the past week.
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Nowadays, people in Seoul are required to wear masks in public places even if they are indoors, as well as crowded outdoor areas. In the announcement made Sunday (23/8), masks can only be removed while eating or drinking.
The South Korean government has also extended social distancing measures to the second level, from the three existing levels. In addition, Seoul and the surrounding area have also banned live church gatherings and closed nightclubs, restaurants and cafes.
Officials say South Korea is on the brink of a national pandemic as the number of new cases is rising in 17 regions across the country.
Health authorities said they were considering introducing a third-level social distancing regime, the highest level. If this is implemented, schools and businesses will be urged to close in order to cope with the spread of new cases that have not slowed down.
