정세균 총리 “이번 휴가철이 새로운 변수 집단감염 우려”... “3행 3금 실천이 필수”
It's time for summer holidays, but with the coronavirus still gripping countries all across globe, many governments are calling for their citizens to not let their guards down, and continue to observe social distancing.
South Korea also reminded the public of the possible dangers, and introduced measures to cope with COVID-19 imports and contain the virus during the holiday season.
Kim Mok-yeon reports.
New COVID-19 cases bounced back up to 36 on Friday in South Korea, 22 of which were imported from overseas.
And so, heading into the summer vacation season, the government has stressed the need to abide by social distancing measures to prevent further spread.
"How we contain the virus during the summer vacation will be a barometer of the nation's future quarantine direction. I ask the public to abide by quarantine rules."
Health authorities also introduced three do's and don'ts.
In terms of do's, the public should;...wear face masks indoors, minimize time spent in restaurants and service stations, and keep at least one-meter distance from others.
What NOT to do...travel if showing symptoms, visit crowded entertainment facilities or tourist destinations during peak hours, make physical contact or be exposed to other people's droplets.
New measures have also been introduced to monitor foreigners with long-term residence permits in self-quarantine...and strengthen punishments for those who falsely report their whereabouts.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organization has warned that spikes in COVID-19 cases are evident already this summer, calling for the public to be on their guard.
"Evidence suggested that spikes of cases in some countries are being driven in part by younger people letting down their guard during the northern hemisphere summer."
Many European countries have also tightened their quarantine measures.
Germany will carry out COVID-19 checks on travelers who visit high-risk countries upon re-entry beginning August 3rd.
France has made it mandatory to wear face masks when on public transport and when visiting stores and banks...with those not abiding by the rules facing fines of around 160 U.S. dollars.
Austria and Belgium have also implemented similar measures regarding face masks in public places.
Kim Mok-yeon, Arirang News.
