South Korea, the great mistress of the management of the Corona virus, has just announced a “cluster” in the Itaewon district.
South Korea has been announcing for several days, 0 new cases of local infection with the corona virus. The country had therefore relaxed the distancing campaign and, even if it had not had confinement, resumed a standard life while still being careful.
But after this weekend, Seoul announces a cluster in the Itaewon district, a multicultural district of Seoul. Where the concentration of bars and nightclubs is important and where young people are used to going out with friends.
Seoul today reports 102 new confirmed cases after a young man in his twenties visited several bars and clubs in the Itaewon district on May 1st. After the first investigation, it is possible that 1500 people were in contact with this young man. By pushing further, the people in charge of finding all the people who visited these places on May 1st amounted to more than 5500, currently only 2500 could be contacted.
Since Saturday, Seoul has ordered all bars and clubs to close their doors to the public until further notice.
As a reminder, arrivals in South Korea are regulated and for many countries a visa is compulsory for sightseeing as well as a quarantine of 14 days, plus the download of an application to declare your state of health on a daily basis.
The Korean government said on Monday that the fine for non-compliance with self-isolation for foreigners could be 6 times higher than for locals. Currently the fine is 500,000 won, and could increase to 3,000,000 won ($ 2,500). Beyond these fines which increase if there is a recurrence, up to 20,000,000 won ($ 15,000), the government can immediately deport the foreign national (already 18 people have been deported).
Journalist: Shawn
Translator: Shawn
Source: Yonhap
