A few people walk on a street in Myeongdong in downtown Seoul on Feb. 9, 2020. The normally busy tourist district was nearly empty amid growing fears of the new coronavirus. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, Feb. 26 (Korea Bizwire) – The coronavirus scare is shutting down various concerts and exhibitions, depriving citizens of leisure and cultural activities.
Instead, they are engaging in home training and other leisure activities they can enjoy at home.
Due to the increasing number of coronavirus infections, citizens are staying away from hobbies such as going to popular restaurants or engaging in physical exercise.
“I used to check where coronavirus patients had been before going out to visit popular restaurants,” said Kim Jin-hee, 32, a local office worker.
“Ever since the number of patients soared to the hundreds, however, I became worried that there might be someone infected at the restaurant I visit.”
Online communities are sharing various activities that can be done at home. On a local online forum, one of the members made a post about sharing enjoyable activities that can be done at home.
In the comments section, people recommended physical exercise, book reading, movie watching, and more.
There are concerns, however, that the drastic change in livelihood following the coronavirus outbreak can lead to stress.
“More people are coming to the hospital ever since the coronavirus outbreak,” said Prof. Hong Jin-pyo, a psychiatrist at Samsung Medical Center.
“Those who regularly went to gyms, movie theaters, and restaurants with friends are struggling with a sense of depression now that they can’t enjoy these activities.”
Staying at home results in less physical activity, which may undermine the will of a person. Also, resting during daytime can lead to irregular sleeping patterns.
Experts argue that indoor activities that can resolve stress, such as yoga, can be helpful.
“Practicing yoga or abdominal respiration through videos online can help resolve a high level of anxiety,” said Hong. “In case of excessive stress, engaging in enjoyable activities like watching movies can be helpful.”
H. M. Kang (hmkang@koreabizwire.com)
