Seoul residents want tougher anti-infection rules for churches, karaoke rooms, gyms: poll
SEOUL, April 2 (Yonhap) -- Reflecting growing public concerns over the new coronavirus that has infected nearly 10,000 in South Korea, a poll showed Thursday that residents in Seoul want tightened measures to prevent more cluster infections in such facilities as churches, karaoke rooms and gyms.
Some 71 percent of respondents said the central or municipal government should ban religious events, while 54 percent said internet cafes and karaoke rooms should be closed, according to the survey conducted by Embrain Public on behalf of the Seoul city government.
Around 47 percent of the respondents said the government should also close down indoor sports facilities, the survey showed.
However, the sentiment was much weaker when it came to educational facilities. Only 35 percent of the respondents said private-sector cram schools should be closed, while 48 percent said a voluntary advisory is more appropriate.
The government has issued a two-week advisory against using group facilities as part of its social distancing scheme that is tentatively set to end on April 5. Vice Health Minister Kim Ganglip said Thursday that the government will announce its plans on extending the campaign before the weekend.
The poll, meanwhile, showed that 88 percent of the respondents felt the social distancing scheme was effective in minimizing cluster infections.
But around 42 percent said they felt anxious and distressed due to the prolonged social distancing campaign. Another 27 percent said it hampers small businesses.
The poll was conducted on 1,500 Seoul residents aged 18 or older between March 28 and March 30. It had a margin of error of 2.5 percentage points and a 95 percent confidence level.
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)
-
N.K. leader declares victory in fight against COVID-19: state media
-
(News Focus) Samsung's Lee expected to solidify leadership, step up biz activities after receiving pardon
-
S. Korea expresses deep regret over Japanese PM's offering to war shrine
-
(LEAD) Yoon pledges to improve ties with Japan, offers economic aid in exchange for N.K. denuclearization
-
(LEAD) Bill Gates calls for S. Korea to play leading role in global health cooperation
-
(2nd LD) Samsung heir Lee granted special presidential pardon
-
(News Focus) Samsung's Lee expected to solidify leadership, step up biz activities after receiving pardon
-
(LEAD) Yoon pledges to improve ties with Japan, offers economic aid in exchange for N.K. denuclearization
-
(3rd LD) THAAD issue not subject to negotiation: presidential office
-
Today in Korean history
-
(LEAD) N. Korea fires two cruise missiles toward Yellow Sea: S. Korean official
-
N. Korea fires two cruise missiles missile toward Yellow Sea: S. Korean official
-
(LEAD) S. Korea's new COVID-19 cases soar to 4-month high of over 180,000
-
(Yonhap Interview) Chinese ambassador says no Beijing-Seoul 'decoupling,' warns of impact from U.S.-led groups
-
(LEAD) Gov't to supply 2.7 mln homes in next 5 years