Nationwide Social Distancing Eased to Level 1... "Some Areas in the Capital Region Maintain Level 2" (Comprehensive)

Prime Minister Jeong Sye-kyun: "High-Risk Multi-Use Facilities, Core Quarantine Rules Remain Mandatory"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Onyu Lim] The government has determined that the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) has been contained and decided to lower the nationwide social distancing to Level 1. However, core quarantine rules will continue to be mandatory for multi-use facilities where the risk remains high.

On the afternoon of the 11th, the government held a meeting of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) at the Government Seoul Office, chaired by Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun, and made this decision. The government had designated the period from the 28th of last month to this day as a special Chuseok quarantine period and implemented key measures of social distancing Level 2.

In his opening remarks at the meeting, Prime Minister Chung said, "The number of domestic confirmed cases has decreased to an average of less than 60 per day over the past two weeks, and the infection reproduction number has fallen below 1, indicating that the spread is being contained." He added, "Considering the fatigue felt by many citizens due to prolonged social distancing and the negative impact on the livelihood economy, we will adjust the social distancing level to Level 1." However, quarantine management related to risk factors such as door-to-door sales will maintain a strengthened level.

Prime Minister Chung emphasized, "We will minimize facility shutdowns but strengthen precise quarantine measures according to the risk level of each target," and "In the metropolitan area, where the calming trend is somewhat slow, necessary measures from social distancing Level 2 rules will be maintained." He also stated, "Core quarantine rules will be mandatory for multi-use facilities, and places with high crowding concerns such as restaurants and cafes will continue to enforce distancing within the premises."

Prime Minister Chung expressed gratitude to the public for cooperating with road controls and other measures implemented to prevent illegal gatherings during the three-day holiday period starting from the 6th, when there were concerns about the spread of COVID-19. He said, "I thank the groups who refrained from gatherings for the sake of public life and safety and the citizens who endured inconveniences," and added, "I also extend thanks and encouragement to the police officers who worked hard on holidays to respond to the gatherings."

Prime Minister Chung urged, "As the autumn foliage reaches its peak in mid-month, many citizens will want to enjoy it. We recommend small-scale family visits rather than group tours, and please be sure to wear masks."

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