Jeju Island to Raise Social Distancing to Level 2 Starting from the 18th

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters (Jeju) Reporter Park Chang-won] Jeju Special Self-Governing Province announced on the 17th that it will raise the current social distancing level from 1.5, which has been in effect since the 4th, to level 2, effective from midnight on the 18th.

The Jeju-style social distancing applies the government's basic policy of subdividing into 5 levels, but reorganizes and operates the distancing system tailored to the characteristics of the Jeju region by utilizing COVID-19 response experience and confirmed case data.

Regarding the criteria for stage transition, the upgrade to level 2 is implemented if any one of the following conditions is met: ▲more than double the level 2 standard ▲sustained level 2 outbreaks in two or more zones ▲nationwide cases exceeding 300.

The current key indicator for upgrading, the weekly average daily confirmed cases, stands at 9, which is below the upgrade criterion of 10. However, this is a preemptive measure due to recent confirmed cases related to churches, schools, workplaces, and others in the Jeju area.

Additionally, according to the COVID-19 response guidelines (9-4), in areas upgraded to level 2, full national funding support for diagnostic testing is possible regardless of symptoms or epidemiological links. Considering that 75 new confirmed cases have occurred in the province this month, causing an overload in epidemiological investigations, the province explained that the final decision was made comprehensively.

Jeju Governor Won Hee-ryong issued a special governor's order on the 16th to implement swift and strong measures and to prevent administrative gaps following the upgrade to social distancing level 2.

The province plans to operate the level 2 distancing by largely adopting the government’s guidelines to minimize confusion among residents, facilities, and related industries, and by implementing measures to reduce contact between individuals.

The strengthened quarantine rules compared to the current level 1.5 include ▲tightened regulations on high-risk priority management facilities such as the five types of entertainment establishments and gathering places ▲strengthened quarantine management for general management facilities such as indoor sports facilities ceasing operations after 9 p.m. ▲and stricter regulations on religious facilities and related activities.

National and public facilities will also be operated on the principle of limiting capacity to 30% or less. Indoor and outdoor sports facilities will only be allowed for professional athletes and training teams, within the limit of one person per 8㎡ of activity space, rather than based on facility area standards.

The Jeju-style social distancing level 2 will be applied until January 3 of next year.

Jeju Province will also conduct focused guidance and inspections on 55 industries to ensure the effectiveness of this measure.

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