Samsung Expands Remote Work Amid Social Distancing 'Level 2.5'... SK Telecom Extends by One Week

[Asia Economy Reporter Joselgina] "Even during remote work, please refrain from going out and face-to-face activities as much as possible."

As the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) resurges and social distancing measures are strengthened to level 2.5 in the Seoul metropolitan area, major companies such as Samsung Electronics and SK Telecom are expanding and extending remote work. Companies are also considering measures in preparation for a possible escalation to level 3.

On the afternoon of the 30th, SK Telecom announced in an internal notice that "all employees' remote work will be extended by one week until September 6." This measure comes as the number of new COVID-19 cases has consistently recorded triple digits since the 14th, when cluster infections in the metropolitan area began in earnest, indicating no sign of the second wave subsiding.

SK Telecom stated, "During this remote work period, to participate in social efforts to overcome the crisis such as the government's implementation of social distancing level 2.5, please minimize office attendance except in essential situations, and refrain from going out and face-to-face activities as much as possible even while working remotely. If you have overlapping routes with confirmed cases or show symptoms, please get tested without delay." SK Telecom has been conducting company-wide remote work since the 18th and has been extending it weekly.

Samsung Electronics will also implement remote work from the 1st of next month in the Consumer Electronics (CE) and IT & Mobile (IM) divisions. Remote work, previously operated only for some employees such as pregnant women and those with underlying conditions, has been expanded in accordance with the implementation of social distancing level 2.5. It is reported that the company is currently reviewing whether to expand remote work to other divisions depending on the COVID-19 spread.

LG Electronics also started a remote work system for all office workers from the 27th. Depending on the situation of each organization, more than one-third of employees can work remotely, including from home. KT has additionally extended company-wide remote work, which was originally until this day, until the 6th of next month.

Currently, major companies are closely monitoring whether social distancing will be raised to level 3. If distancing is raised to level 3, private companies may also switch to full remote work except for essential personnel. Accordingly, preparations such as server checks for expanding remote work and selecting essential personnel who must come to the office are being carried out simultaneously in anticipation of a level 3 escalation.

As of midnight today, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases increased by 299 new cases, bringing the total to 19,699. Although the number of new cases fell below 300 for the first time in five days, it remains in the triple digits. Moreover, the so-called 'dark figure' patients, whose time and place of infection are unknown, are rapidly increasing, raising the possibility of a level 3 escalation.

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