Seoul: Offering Answers in Testing Times
The COVID 19 virus has changed the economical and social landscape of the entire world.
As Western countries remain hesitant to loosen lockdown rules, life in the South Korean capital of Seoul is almost back to normal. The most impressive thing? South Korea didn’t implement as strict lockdown rules as their European and North American counterparts. Shops stayed open, as did leisure facilities and restaurants. How did they manage this? Rapid testing followed by contact tracing is one answer, but the widespread use of masks and the respect of strict social distancing for large events is thought to have made the most significant difference. As South Koreans re-adjust to their new normal, strict adherence to rules remains the top priority. The majority of people are still wearing masks as soon as they step outside, numerous temperature checkpoints have been installed at the entrances of buildings and COVID-19 tests are freely available around the city.
South Korea has come up with all kinds of solutions including how to continue large public exams while respecting strict social distancing. At the Seokyong University, 100 people take part in the ‘General Insurance Association. Every participant is required to wear a mask, respect social distancing whilst queuing outside, and go through various body temperature checks before entering the reimagined exam ‘hall’: an outdoor sports field.
As the rest of the world looks toward a life after lockdown, they can look to Seoul for encouragement. The ‘normal’ may not be the ‘normal’ we’re used to, but the strength of the population to implement strict social distancing, whilst not letting it control their lives is inspiring. Other nations can learn from this. After all, a society is only as strong as the individuals within it.
Photography by Tim Franco
Words by Tim Franco & Tom Ford