S. Korea's lifting of curbs raises concern

SEOUL－Concerns have mounted over South Korea's decision to lift all COVID-19 measures, as the "nonscientific" decision can give wrong signals that the pandemic is over.

A week earlier, the government lifted all social distancing guidelines, including a business curfew and a cap on private gatherings, with the exception of the mask mandate.

From Monday, people are allowed to have food indoors in multiuse facilities such as religious and sports venues, movie theaters, concert halls, private cram schools and shops.

"The (South) Korean government's measures are not appropriate as it only took into account easing economic damages. Health damages are still running high given the daily caseload of around 100,000 and the daily number of deaths between 100 and 200," said Choi Jae-wook, a professor of preventive medicine at the Korea University College of Medicine.

The country reported 34,370 more COVID-19 cases as of midnight Sunday compared to 24 hours ago, according to data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on Monday.

The figure was down from 64,725 the previous day due to fewer virus tests over the weekend, and also lower than 47,730 tallied a week earlier.

Health authorities estimated that the resurgence, driven by the spread of the Omicron variant and its subvariant BA.2, may have peaked in the middle of March.

Although the Omicron-driven peak seems to have eased, experts said the lifting of all virus management rules can mislead people to think that the pandemic has come to a complete end.

"The nonscientific, political decision can lead people to misconceive that they will no longer need to follow social distancing rules or wear masks. People can also be mistaken about the still serious situations and think that there is no problem," Choi said.

Choi expressed worry that the nonscientific decision may drive people to lose trust in the health authorities and refrain from cooperating on potential virus management measures.

Son Young-rae, an official with the Ministry of Health and Welfare, told a news briefing last Monday that the lifting of social distancing guidelines does not represent an end to the pandemic, asking people to take care of their own personal hygiene.

The government adjusted the four-tier infectious disease level of COVID-19 from the highest Class 1 to Class 2.

It will be implemented in phases over a four-week period to allow patients to be treated at local clinics and hospitals without quarantine from as early as May 23.

Xinhua