CHALLENGES KOREA FACES WITH COVID-19

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Yesterday marked 100 days since Korea reported its first case of COVID-19. As of Tuesday, the rise in daily infections has been around ten for the 11th day. If the outbreak continues to stabilize, strict social distancing will give way to distancing measures incorporated into daily life. We asked experts about what the future holds and what tasks lie ahead.

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Everyone hopes to start distancing measures intertwined in everyday life, as a relaxed form of the stricter distancing campaign. But for this to happen, thorough personal hygiene is a must.

[Soundbite] PROF. JACOB LEE(HALLYM UNIV. MEDICAL CENTER) : "There is no change to the basic rules such as washing hands and wearing masks in crowded places."

Conditions need to be fostered and regulations revised so that people can adhere to the government guideline of taking sufficient rest when they are sick.

[Soundbite] PROF. JACOB LEE(HALLYM UNIV. MEDICAL CENTER) : "Whether in a community or organization, ill members should be allowed to go home and rest or see the doctor to check if they've contracted COVID-19."

Adhering strictly to the guidelines is crucial, there are no exceptions. Self-quarantine rules must be observed.

[Soundbite] PROF. HONG YUN-CHUL(SEOUL NAT'L UNIV. HOSPITAL) : "In an infectious disease era, I believe there are areas individuals can make concessions. But this doesn't mean a community or the society at large can oppress personal freedom."

Strengthening public health services centered on local communities is another task.

[Soundbite] PROF. HONG YUN-CHUL(SEOUL NAT'L UNIV. HOSPITAL) : "It's important for the public health sector to stay firmly grounded to prevent the medical system from collapsing during times of national crisis."

It's also important to look after vulnerable groups.

[Soundbite] PROF. BAEK JONG-WOO(KYUNGHEE UNIV. HOSPITAL) : "We must take interest in society's weakest members, and provide customized support through local communities."

The public's yearning and demand for safety has increased, having experienced the COVID-19 pandemic.

[Soundbite] PROF. JANG DUK-JIN(SEOUL NAT'L UNIV.) : "The role of the state as a protector of citizen's life and safety has become more evident during the pandemic."

Experts say adequate medical policies combined with people's adherence to preventive measures will enable Korea to set another global example in the so-called "everyday life quarantine."