Government Imposes Social Distancing Level 2 in Incheon Following Seoul and Gyeonggi... In-Person Worship at Churches in the Capital Region Prohibited

Prime Minister Jeong Sye-gyun: "At a critical point of nationwide spread, if control is not regained, a move to Level 3 will be considered"
Indoor gatherings limited to 50, outdoor to 100... Effective from midnight on the 19th

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun is delivering opening remarks at the Cabinet meeting held at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 18th. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The government has raised social distancing measures to Level 2 in Incheon, following Seoul and Gyeonggi Province. This emergency measure comes as new confirmed cases of COVID-19 linked to churches have recorded triple digits for four consecutive days. The government also decided to allow only non-face-to-face worship services at churches located in the metropolitan area.

On the 18th, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun announced an emergency national address at the Government Seoul Office outlining these measures. Prime Minister Chung stated, "The government has decided to strengthen social distancing in the metropolitan area to swiftly block the spread of infection," adding, "In addition to the existing Seoul and Gyeonggi areas, Incheon, which shares the living area, will be included." The enhanced measures will take effect from midnight on the 19th.

Accordingly, in Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Incheon, all gatherings, meetings, and events involving 50 or more people indoors and 100 or more people outdoors are basically prohibited. Additionally, the operation of 12 types of high-risk facilities such as clubs, karaoke rooms, buffets, and PC rooms, as well as indoor national and public facilities, will be suspended. This measure considers the recent cluster infection case at Sarang Jeil Church in Seongbuk-gu, where inaccurate registries have made it difficult to quickly trace and isolate congregants and visitors, and the fact that church members are spread nationwide, raising the risk of transmission to other regions.

The government further decided to restrict activities within the region as new COVID-19 cases continue to be confirmed mainly at metropolitan area churches including Sarang Jeil Church. Only non-face-to-face worship services will be allowed at churches in the metropolitan area, and all other meetings and activities are prohibited. These restrictions on church activities in the metropolitan area will also be applied from midnight on the 19th.

Prime Minister Chung said, "If we fail to control the current stage, we are at a critical juncture where the virus could rapidly spread into a nationwide pandemic," and added, "It has been confirmed that confirmed cases related to Sarang Jeil Church attended the rally held at Gwanghwamun on Liberation Day, raising concerns about further spread." He urged, "Everyone who attended the rally should get tested at the nearest screening clinic regardless of symptoms."

Moreover, Prime Minister Chung stated that if the control of the quarantine network is not restored, the government may have no choice but to consider raising social distancing to Level 3. He emphasized, "If we fail to regain control of the quarantine network now, we may have to consider raising social distancing to Level 3, which would deliver a severe shock to our country's economy and people's livelihoods," and urged, "Please stay at home as much as possible except for essential outings such as commuting, with a sense of crisis that infection can occur anytime and anywhere."

He also requested strict and prompt action against legal violations by prosecutors, police, and local governments. Prime Minister Chung said, "Relevant ministries and local governments should thoroughly prepare detailed guidelines for the implementation of strengthened quarantine measures and carefully inspect sites to prevent violations," and added, "I hope prosecutors, police, and local governments will take strict and swift action against legal violations."

On the 18th, as the number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection related to Sarang Jeil Church increases, the resting area at Jangwi Traditional Market in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, is closed. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

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