Sejong Bans Gatherings and Demonstrations of Over 100 People... Violators Face 'Fines and Reimbursement Claims'

[Asia Economy (Sejong) Reporter Jeong Il-woong] Sejong City announced that starting from the 9th, it will issue an administrative order banning gatherings and protests of 100 or more people within the region, and will respond strongly with fines and claims for damages if violated.

According to the city, a rally demanding wage system reform and improved treatment for indefinite-term contract workers was held on the 29th of last month, followed by a strike rally opposing the transfer of elementary school childcare duties to local governments on the 6th. The city estimates that each rally attracted crowds ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 people.

Additionally, the nationwide workers' rally commemorating the 50th anniversary of martyr Jeon Tae-il is scheduled for the 14th, causing tension for the city and quarantine authorities. Approximately 1,000 people are expected to gather at this nationwide workers' rally.

The concern is that such gatherings could potentially become a pathway for the re-spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) within the region.

Since the 30th of last month, no COVID-19 confirmed cases have been reported in Sejong. However, considering that the number of confirmed cases nationwide is increasing to around 100, there are concerns that large-scale gatherings and protests held locally could become a trigger for the spread of infectious diseases.

Accordingly, the city banned gatherings and protests of 100 or more people starting from the 9th under the pretext of preventing the spread of COVID-19. This means that nationwide meetings frequently held around the Government Complex Sejong will no longer be permitted.

In particular, the city emphasized that if the administrative order is violated, fines of up to 3 million KRW will be imposed on organizers and participants, and if COVID-19 spreads due to the gathering, claims for damages will be pursued.

Furthermore, starting from the 13th of this month, those not wearing masks inside facilities where mask-wearing is mandatory will be fined up to 100,000 KRW, and facility managers and operators will face fines of up to 3 million KRW.

However, the city added that small-scale meetings and events, excluding large-scale gatherings and protests, will be allowed under the condition of complying with quarantine rules according to the revised social distancing level. Currently, the city is applying social distancing level 1, allowing gatherings and events of 500 or more people to proceed selectively after reporting and consultation procedures.

A city official stated, "At this point, large-scale gatherings and protests pose a threat to public safety and could trigger nationwide cluster infections," adding, "The city plans to take preemptive measures to ensure that large-scale gatherings and protests held locally do not become a medium for the transmission and spread of COVID-19."

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