South Korea is again on high alert over a resurgence of the novel coronavirus. Health authorities raised social distancing in Seoul and the surrounding Gyeonggi Province to Level 2 in the three-tier system starting Sunday for two weeks.
The heightened alert came after new daily infections recorded a triple-digit figure for the third consecutive day over the weekend. The country reported 279 new cases of COVID-19 Sunday, the highest since March 8 when 367 cases occurred. The number marked an upsurge from 166 Saturday and 103 Friday.
We cannot help but express worries over the rapidly spreading virus. New cases remained below 50 per day early last week, but suddenly surpassed 100 Friday ahead of the Aug. 15-17 National Liberation Day holiday. If this trend continues, a second wave of infections could soon become a reality. It reminds the people of the nightmarish massive outbreak among members of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, a minor sect, in the southeastern city of Daegu in February and March.
More seriously, the latest infection cases were concentrated on the densely populated capital city and its metropolitan areas which might emerge as a new coronavirus epicenter. Many of the cases were related to worship services. Infections linked to the Sarang Jeil Church in northern Seoul surged to 249, while those associated with the Woori Jeil Church in Yongin, south of Seoul, rose to 126. More comprehensive measures should be taken to avoid a repetition of the Shincheonji episode.
Under the Level 2 guidelines, sporting events will be held without spectators in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province for two weeks. Schools will be recommended to hold classes online if mass outbreaks take place in their district. People are advised to refrain from organizing indoor meetings of more than 50 attendees and outdoor meetings with over 100. Additionally, religious facilities, cram schools, restaurants and cinemas are subject to tougher guidelines. Internet cafes are included in the list of high-risk commercial facilities such as nightclubs, bars, indoor gyms and logistics centers.
Now, the problem is that the authorities have yet to ban the operation of such high-risk facilities. Instead, they focus on implementing stricter guidelines over the next two weeks. They only plan to shut down such facilities if the situation gets worse. This invites criticism that the government is somewhat reluctant to adopt more radical measures for fear of a sharper economic contraction.
The central and local governments should spare no effort to prevent catastrophe. Pre-emptive measures are key to winning the fight against highly contagious viruses such as COVID-19. No one can force a return to normal and speed up economic recovery without bringing the virus under control first. People must practice social distancing more rigorously and maintain personal hygiene, especially during the summer vacation period. Most of all, don't forget to wear a face mask when in public.
Making matters worse, health professionals are staging a strike in protest against a government plan to raise admission quotas at medical schools. They should immediately return to work and step up their battle with the coronavirus.