South Korean Nightlife Causes COVID-19 Second Wave

Illustrations (Photo: Sarthak Navjivan on Unsplash)

JAKARTA - Nightlife venues have become the largest contributor to the second wave of COVID-19 transmission in South Korea (South Korea), after the country of origin for k-pop relaxed restrictions since early May.

"From the experience in Korea since May 6, the first (COVID-19 cluster) which is very vulnerable is a nightclub," said the Indonesian Ambassador to South Korea, Umar Hadi in a virtual discussion, Saturday, June 13.

Another factor is that the opening of places of worship is also a new means of spreading. Then, the opening of schools and educational facilities such as course venues also contributed. Then, the opening of sports facilities such as gyms, offices, and shops. Therefore, the place was closed again.

"So, places of worship are advised not to carry out activities, tourist attractions such as museums are closed again. Indeed, the risk of increasing the case is from the relaxation of social distancing," said Umar.

Meanwhile, schools and places of worship that have been opened have tightened operational arrangements to prevent transmission of this virus. Then, people who do not wear masks are not allowed to take public transportation.

"In South Korea, it is very clear that the health apparatus is ready. So in isolating one place for testing, the contact tracing is quite fast. People also do not seem too worried. Therefore, their daily activities are relatively normal," said Umar.

As for last May 6, the number of cases of COVID-19 in a number of cities in South Korea has run low. In fact, within one day some did not report new cases. Finally, South Korea decided to relax.

After the relaxation and opening of a number of places, the increase in corona virus cases there has again increased to tens of people per day. The most additions were in the capital city of Seoul, Inchon City, and Gionbi Province around Seoul.