Ganghwa County Appeals for Cooperation Under 'Social Distancing Level 2.5'

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Seo Dong-young] Ganghwa County has appealed for active cooperation from residents to contain the spread of COVID-19 as the capital region escalates social distancing to level 2.5.

Ganghwa County maintained a clean record with no confirmed cases since October 12, but five confirmed cases occurred consecutively this month.

The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) decided to upgrade social distancing to level 2.5 from the 8th and implement it through 24:00 on the 28th, taking into account the ongoing spread of COVID-19 infections centered on the capital region.

Accordingly, more stringent quarantine measures are being implemented. First, the operation and use of multi-use facilities are further restricted. Gyms and private academies are prohibited from operating, while study rooms and PC rooms can only be used until 9 p.m.

Use of saunas and jjimjilbang facilities in bathhouses is also restricted. Events such as briefings, commemorative ceremonies, and workshops are prohibited from gathering 50 or more people.

This measure applies equally to weddings and funerals. For religious activities, non-face-to-face worship, Buddhist services, masses, and Shinto rituals are the principle (participation limited to 20 people or fewer), and gatherings and meals organized by religious facilities are prohibited.

Ganghwa County Governor Yu Cheon-ho expressed concern, stating, "Compared to the situation thus far where confirmed cases have been relatively few compared to other capital region cities, the situation of recent days is serious," and noting that "recent infections are occurring through contact between family members or acquaintances."

He continued, "To prevent the spread of community infections, I earnestly ask that all residents work together to overcome the crisis in the short term despite the difficulties and refrain from unnecessary meetings or gatherings."