I am an American that’s been teaching in South Korea for one year now, and this week marks one month of living within the restrictions of the pandemic caused by the spread of COVID-19. While all citizens are on high alert, I’ll admit that it feels like life hasn’t changed drastically for us here in Korea. Nationwide testing, transparent and frequent government updates, free healthcare for all affected and an overall sense of community responsibility has prevented me from feeling like my world has turned upside down.

Everywhere I go, I see posters and commercials — translated into multiple languages — reminding people to wash their hands, cover their mouths, and call the national emergency hotline if they are experiencing symptoms. When you call the hotline, you can arrange transport to a testing facility to avoid public transportation. If you test positive for the virus, your treatment is free, regardless of your immigration status. These are just examples of the efficient and swift changes in the way this country operates that has made the situation feel less overwhelming.

Temperature scanners were placed in major shopping centers for anyone to use. There is hand sanitizer available in nearly every elevator and store entrance, and public transportation is regularly sanitized. A mask rationing system was created to make sure everyone has the chance to buy them. Navigation apps, like one that I use called KakaoMaps, even added a mask search feature, to help people find which stores have them in stock.

It’s rare to see people on the streets without protective face masks. Korean officials have advised us to wear masks in public, since many carriers of the virus may be asymptomatic, unsure if they are sick just yet.

Life here is a little different now, but thanks to the majority of citizens following health guidelines, it hasn’t come to a halt. Major festivals and gatherings have been postponed, but many restaurants, entertainment venues and public spaces are still open. If it has been confirmed that an infected person has visited one of these places, we receive an alert and the business is promptly closed for sanitation.