Lee Jae-myung Issues Administrative Order Restricting Use of PC Bangs, Karaoke Rooms, and Clubs Following Churches

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Lee Jae-myung, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, has issued an administrative order restricting close contact usage targeting three major industries deemed to have a high risk of infection: PC bangs, karaoke rooms, and club-type establishments, in preparation for the prolonged COVID-19 (novel coronavirus infection) crisis. This order is the same as the administrative order issued on the 17th to 137 religious facilities that violated COVID-19 prevention rules and will continue until April 6.

On the 18th, Governor Lee held an emergency press conference at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Office regarding COVID-19 and stated, "The fight against COVID-19 is not a short-term tournament but a long-term league, and from today, Gyeonggi Province will prepare to coexist with COVID-19."

This measure follows the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring a global pandemic and experts forecasting a prolonged COVID-19 situation. With infections imported from abroad and increasing cluster infections in the metropolitan area, Governor Lee judged that preparations must be made for COVID-19 becoming endemic.

Governor Lee explained, "Since economic activity restrictions should be cautious amid an already difficult economic situation, we tried to avoid limiting economic activities as much as possible. However, due to the spread of cluster infections in small-scale settings, we have no choice but to issue an administrative order restricting operations of multi-use facilities with a high risk of droplet infection such as clubs, colatecs, PC bangs, and karaoke rooms."

Accordingly, these multi-use facilities must comply with seven rules: ▲designate an infection control officer ▲all users and workers must wear masks ▲prohibit entry of symptomatic individuals with fever, sore throat, cough, etc. (workers must be checked twice daily) ▲prepare and manage user logs (name, contact information, entry time, etc.) ▲all entrants must sanitize hands ▲make efforts to maintain maximum distance between users ▲regular ventilation and disinfect and clean once before and after business hours.

In addition, violations of the administrative order will result in ▲prosecution under the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act (fines up to 3 million KRW) ▲complete prohibition of customer gatherings for violating businesses ▲claims for all related quarantine costs such as investigation, testing, and treatment if confirmed cases occur due to violations. Under the current Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act, the Minister of Health and Welfare or the mayor/governor can restrict or prohibit gatherings or assemblies of multiple people to prevent infectious diseases.

This administrative order takes effect immediately and will continue until April 6, when schools reopen. The province will provide a six-day guidance period until the 23rd and then proceed with strict enforcement.

Governor Lee added, "Starting with restrictions on PC bangs, karaoke rooms, and clubs, more restrictive measures may be taken if infectious diseases spread further. As the person responsible for quarantine in Gyeonggi Province, I feel a great responsibility and deeply apologize for having to impose measures that limit the lives of residents."

He continued, "As governor, whose primary duty is to protect the lives and safety of residents, I ask for broad understanding that I must fulfill this duty even at the risk of criticism. I trust the collective intelligence of the residents and, as governor, will prioritize the safety of all residents and do my best in quarantine efforts."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.