Lee Hyo-jin covers the Bank of Korea, the banking industry and broader financial news. Her previous beats include foreign affairs, North Korea and general reporting on Korean society.
Bakeries, convenience stores become blind spots for quarantine
People gather in a bakery in Jung-gu, Seoul, in this Aug. 31 photo. Enhanced social distancing rules have been in force in the greater Seoul area since Aug. 30. / Korea Times photo by Hong In-ki
By Lee Hyo-jin
By Lee Hyo-jin
Bakeries and convenience stores are becoming quarantine blind spots ― along with university libraries ― after coffee store franchises and restaurants were placed under limited operation orders on top of enhanced social distancing rules in the greater Seoul area.
Following the sudden resurgence of COVID-19 infections in Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi Province, the government has reintroduced strengthened quarantine measures restricting the operation of restaurants and cafes, but people are still gathering in places not subject to the latest restrictions.
Hwang Soo-yeon, a college student studying for the civil service exam, said she began to study at her university's library in Anam, eastern Seoul, after the public library she was using closed last Saturday.
“The university library is crammed although we don't have any in person classes on campus this semester,” Hwang said. “We leave certain seats empty to follow quarantine rules, but it's hard to keep our distance from other people all the time.”
A person who was later confirmed to have COVID-19 visited the library last Tuesday, but no additional safety work was conducted other than regular disinfection, according to Hwang.
“I am worried about the virus, but I have nowhere else to go where I can study for hours every day,” she said.
As coffee shops currently only offer takeaway services, people are moving to “bakeries” to sit around for a cup of coffee. As these are categorized as restaurants, they are less affected by the new quarantine rules and are allowed to serve customers in-person.
Some people drink alcohol sitting at the outdoor tables of convenience stores after bars close at 9 p.m. Following several complaints, the company headquarters of store chains such as GS25, CU and 7-Eleven recommended store owners to stop allowing the use of indoor and outdoor tables after 9 p.m., from Monday, until the government lifts the tightened social distancing rules.
The government has imposed de facto “Level 2.5” social distancing rules in Seoul and the surrounding area, from Aug. 30 to Sept. 6.
Dining at restaurants, pubs and bakeries in the greater Seoul area is banned after 9 p.m., with only takeout orders allowed from then until 5 a.m. Coffee chain franchises are only allowed to offer takeaway or delivery services regardless of their operating hours.
About 380,000 restaurants, cafes and bakeries are affected by the new rules, according to the health authorities.