Nearing 2,000 people ahead of the ‘recovery of daily life’… “Refrain from events such as Halloween”

◀ anchor ▶

Today, the number of new COVID-19 cases surged by nearly 700 in one day, showing a rebounding pattern.

From next week, a gradual recovery of daily life will begin, and as this weekend overlaps with Halloween Day, there is concern that the number of confirmed cases will increase further.

Quarantine authorities have asked to refrain from gatherings and events.

Reporter Park Jin-joo will tell you.

◀ Report ▶

A high school in Dobong-gu, Seoul.

After one student was confirmed, the infection spread to three nearby high schools, and 20 other students and family members were confirmed.

[박유미/서울시 시민건강국장]

“We met frequently at various places including bowling alleys, restaurants, and coffee shops, and it was reported that it was spread because it was difficult to wear a mask when smoking…”

There are 1,952 new cases of COVID-19.

The number surged nearly 700 from yesterday, recording 1,900 in 13 days, and 381 more than the number announced on Wednesday last week.

The infection reproduction index remained below 1 for three weeks in a row at 0.88 nationwide, but in Seoul, the number of confirmed cases rose to 700 in 13 days and exceeded 1 again.

[손영래/중앙사고수습본부 사회전략반장]

“The number of confirmed cases, which has been on the decline for three weeks, is showing a tendency to rebound little by little (this week).”

It is pointed out that the reason for this is that the awareness of quarantine has been loosened ahead of the gradual recovery of daily life.

The government is concerned that the number of confirmed cases may increase further when normal activities begin next week.

[김부겸/국무총리]

“It is true that the expectations for a return to daily life are greater than ever, but it should never happen that the awareness is disturbed and[the quarantine situation]takes a step backwards again.”

As the weather gets colder, the time spent indoors increases, and poor ventilation is also a factor in the increase in the number of confirmed patients.

The coronavirus can survive up to three hours in the air, so ventilation must be increased to lower the degree of infection.

The government urged frequent ventilation, saying that ventilation for 10 minutes or more three times a day reduces the risk of air transmission by one-third.

In addition, ahead of Halloween Day on the 31st, we asked to refrain from gatherings and events as there is a high risk of spread.

From today to the 2nd of next month, the police and the Seoul Metropolitan Government are planning to jointly crack down on places with high possibility of Halloween gatherings such as Hongdae and Itaewon.

This is Park Jin-joo from MBC News.

Video coverage: Jung Woo-young, Lee Ji-ho / Video editing: Na Ji-yeon

MBC News awaits your report 24 hours a day.

▷ Tel 02-784-4000
▷ Email mbcjebo@mbc.co.kr
▷ KakaoTalk @mbc report