Two years before world returns to normal with quarantines and social distancing to continue, coronavirus experts warn
IT could be two years before the world returns to normal from the coronavirus with quarantines and social distancing in place for some time to come.
South Korea, which is seen to have managed the coronavirus well, laid out guidelines today for a return to a post-coronavirus normality but said it could take two years.
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Its strategy includes flexible working, bookings on public transport as well as electronic wristbands for those who ignore quarantine orders.
Those who refuse to wear the bands after breaking quarantine will be sent to shelters where they will be asked to pay for accommodation.
“Some experts predict Covid-19 will stay for as long as two years, and we have to accept the reality that we can’t go back to pre-Covid-19 life during that time,” Vice Health Minister Kim Gang-lip told a briefing.
The Korea Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) reported just six new cases, the lowest number since the February 28 peak of 909 in South Korea.
With no new deaths, the toll remained at 240 and authorities hope daily new cases will drop to zero in the coming days after dipping below 10 on Sunday following several days above that level.
Total recorded infections are at 10,708 in the country of almost 52 million people.
Widespread testing, intensive contact tracing and tracking apps have enabled South Korea to limit the spread of the virus with social distancing rather than lengthy lockdowns.
The example of South Korea’s strategy is often held up by others as a way forward.
Some experts predict Covid-19 will stay for as long as two years, and we have to accept the reality that we can’t go back to pre-Covid-19 life during that time
South Korea's Vice Health Minister Kim Gang-lip
“The government is preparing a transition to a sustainable routine distancing scheme with the goal of carrying out regular social and economic activity and preventing Covid-19 infections at the same time,” he said.
The guidelines detail a code of conduct in areas including workplaces, transport, restaurants, shopping and sporting fixtures, starting with general rules such as washing hands, maintaining distance and regular temperature checks and disinfection.
Anyone who travelled overseas within the past two weeks should not go to work for some time, and workplaces are strongly recommended to use video conferences, online training, remote work and flexible hours.
Passengers on public transport need to wear a mask and try booking a seat in empty rows, while mobile payments should be used for taxis.
The guidelines urged people to spend minimal time at restaurants and cafes and use individual plates to share food.
The owners of the businesses should place seating apart, divided by partitions if possible, and actively promote takeout and delivery services alongside online payment.
Officials say the strategy will only work if people remain wary.
“The biggest sign of danger in our society is becoming careless that the risks of infections are gone,” KCDC director Jeong Eun-kyeong said at a separate briefing.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has pointed to the example of South Korea as the way forward.
Germany is now taking baby steps to ease restrictions, allowing smaller shops to reopen this week while sticking to strict social-distancing guidelines and requiring face masks on public transport and in stores. The effect will be analysed after two weeks to see whether infections have again started to significantly climb.
“We must not overwhelm our health care system,” Merkel said, “warning restrictions could be snapped back. The best path is one that is careful, and not taken light-heartedly.”
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Hungary has also said it is working on plans to return the country to normal.
Prime Minister Viktor Orban said Friday on state radio that current rules making people stay at home as much as possible will be replaced and the first phase of protection against the coronavirus pandemic will be completed.
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He said that new regulations currently being drafted will have to ensure the protection of the most vulnerable: the elderly, those with chronic illnesses and those living in cities.
Health officials from Spains 17 regions and the central government were to meet later on Friday with proposals on how to roll back the six-week lockdown.
Authorities there have said that future steps will be incremental and depend on how regions meet certain health criteria.
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