End of 45 Days of 'Social Distancing'... Transition to 'Everyday Distancing' from the 6th (Comprehensive)

If Stability Is Maintained, Crisis Level Adjustment Also Discussed
Administrative Orders for Crowded Facilities Replaced with 'Recommendations'... Gatherings Principally Allowed
Sequential Return to In-Person Classes... Education Minister to Announce Tomorrow

Prime Minister Jeong Sye-kyun

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] The government has decided to end the 45-day (March 22 to May 5) 'social distancing' and transition to 'distancing in daily life' starting from the 6th, which combines everyday life with quarantine activities. Along with this, if a stable situation is maintained, the government is considering adjusting the crisis level and will promote phased school attendance, with specific plans to be announced by the Minister of Education on the 4th.

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun presided over the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) meeting on COVID-19 at the Government Seoul Office on the 3rd and stated, "Based on the high civic awareness shown by the people, we intend to transition to distancing in daily life."

Distancing in daily life means harmonizing daily life and quarantine. It aims to restart the daily life that has been halted due to the COVID-19 situation, while preventing a resurgence of COVID-19 through daily quarantine measures.

Prime Minister Chung said, "The originally scheduled end date for social distancing is just two days away," and added, "From the 6th, facilities that have been closed will gradually resume operations, and gatherings and events will be allowed in principle, provided that quarantine guidelines are followed."

He continued, "Administrative orders from the central government for major crowded facilities will be replaced with recommendations," and explained, "However, local governments may maintain administrative orders depending on their circumstances."

Prime Minister Chung also mentioned, "School attendance will be promoted sequentially," and said, "The Minister of Education will provide details on the timing and methods of school attendance on the 4th."

He added, "If the current stable situation is maintained, the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency are requested to discuss measures to adjust the crisis level."

Prime Minister Chung emphasized, "This change should never be misunderstood as the risk having disappeared or as a signal that it is safe to live daily life without caution," and stressed, "Because we can no longer bear social costs and economic damage, this is a compromise plan to resume economic and social activities while accepting some level of quarantine risk."

He also expressed, "Distancing must continue to be strictly observed in all our daily lives," and said, "That is the meaning of 'distancing in daily life.'"

Prime Minister Chung concluded, "Although many countries are easing economic and social restrictions, no country has yet succeeded in harmonizing daily life and quarantine," and added, "If the participation and cooperation of the people continue as now, just as K-quarantine has become a global model, I believe we can create a world-renowned model in distancing in daily life."

Meanwhile, as of midnight on the 3rd, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases increased by 13 compared to the same time the previous day, totaling 10,793. Recent new confirmed cases have been under 10, with 9 on April 29, 4 on April 30, 9 on May 1, and 6 on May 2, but on this day, the number exceeded 10 with 13 cases. Among the 13 new confirmed cases, 10 were classified as imported cases. The 3 domestic cases all occurred in Daegu.

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