"Government Releases Detailed Guidelines for Social Distancing in Daily Life to Prepare for Prolonged COVID-19"

Government Releases 'Everyday Social Distancing' Guidelines for 31 Facilities and Situations Including Work, Daily Life, and Leisure

On the afternoon of the 22nd, citizens who visited the food court at Seoul Station are sitting alone at their seats by the window, having lunch. As the government’s "high-intensity social distancing" measures are eased, there is a movement to return to daily life while adhering to the "everyday quarantine guidelines" in multi-use facilities such as food courts.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] The government emphasized that the domestic situation of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) is being stably controlled and that it is important to create and implement daily quarantine guidelines during the prolonged phase of the crisis.

Kim Kang-lip, the 1st General Coordinator of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters, said at a regular briefing held at the Government Complex Sejong on the 24th, "It is evaluated that the COVID-19 outbreak is being considerably controlled more than a week after the general election." He added, "However, since the overseas COVID-19 situation remains severe and it will take considerable time until vaccines and treatments are developed, we must prepare for the prolonged COVID-19 situation."

Regarding daily quarantine, he said, "The government is preparing to transition to a sustainable 'distancing in daily life' system that aims to prevent and block COVID-19 infections while carrying out routine socio-economic activities," and emphasized, "Like the election quarantine guidelines, I believe that creating and implementing good guidelines for daily quarantine is the best strategy for preparing for the prolonged phase."

On the same day, the government disclosed a draft of detailed group quarantine guidelines for distancing in daily life, consisting of three major categories: △work, △daily life, and △leisure, covering a total of 31 facilities and situations. The guidelines include quarantine standards and instructions for areas such as offices, public transportation, restaurants, cafes, and leisure facilities.

The guidelines are based on the principles of △harmonizing daily life and quarantine, △learning and participation, and △creative utilization. They specifically include rules for users and those responsible.

A notable feature is that the guidelines comprehensively cover situations such as working, commuting, dining, religious activities, daily life, and leisure. Basically, if one has a fever of 37.5℃ or higher, respiratory symptoms such as cough or sore throat, or has traveled abroad within the last 14 days, they should refrain from going out and stay at home as much as possible.

Also, regardless of indoor or outdoor locations, a distance of 2 meters (at least 1 meter) should be maintained from others, and personal hygiene rules such as cough etiquette, handwashing, and hand sanitizing should be strictly followed.

When working at the office or in daily life, efforts should be made to disinfect and ventilate, and tasks that can be done 'non-face-to-face' should avoid contact with others as much as possible. When greeting, bowing is recommended over handshakes.

The guidelines also include that tasting and cosmetic testing corners in shopping malls or markets should be suspended.

Kim, the General Coordinator, said, "The goal is to minimize social costs by actually practicing these guidelines in daily life," and added, "However, since the harmony between quarantine and daily life has a strong conflicting nature, various issues are being carefully discussed. We ask the public to show great interest and wisdom."

The quarantine authorities also reiterated their request to properly practice 'social distancing' during the golden holiday period continuing until May 5.

Kim said, "Many people are expected to prepare for travel and gatherings during the holiday period, but if distancing is relaxed, another group infection may occur," and urged people to refrain from gatherings, events, and travel until May 5, when social distancing is in effect.

He continued, "Administrative measures such as administrative orders for high-risk facilities remain valid until May 5," and added, "Local governments of various tourist destinations, including Jeju Island, may take necessary administrative measures for management depending on conditions."

The government announced the 'Basic Group Quarantine Guidelines' that communities must follow on the 22nd. A draft of detailed guidelines by facility has been prepared and will be finalized after collecting opinions. Even after applying the guidelines, continuous review and possible revisions will be made according to situations encountered in the field.

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