Geoje City, "Only Citizens' Participation is the Sole Way" ... Raising to Level 2.5

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kang Sharon] As Geoje City in Gyeongnam raised social distancing to level 2.5 starting from the 21st, Mayor Byeon Gwang-yong appealed to citizens to "protect Geoje from COVID-19."

Mayor Byeon announced a public appeal to citizens during a non-face-to-face briefing on the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) on the 20th.

He expressed concern, saying, "The recent trend of confirmed cases is much more severe than in Seoul and other metropolitan areas," and "The feared infection within the shipbuilding industry has become a reality, and chain infections have spread to the local community, making the situation even more precarious."

He added, "The city has taken the extraordinary measure of raising social distancing to level 2.5 to overcome this critical crisis," and "Above all, I apologize and feel sorry to the self-employed and small business owners."

Nevertheless, he emphasized, "The current situation is extremely serious, and there is no room to retreat or alternative options," and "We will devote ourselves to ending this crisis with the determination that raising to level 2.5 is the last resort."

The city raised social distancing to level 2.5 from 0:00 on the 21st to 24:00 on the 28th, marking the first time this level has been applied in Gyeongnam.

In addition to the five types of entertainment facilities banned under level 2, singing practice rooms, indoor standing concert halls, direct sales promotion centers such as door-to-door sales, indoor sports facilities where small-scale group infections occurred, and bathhouses are also subject to closure orders.

Cinemas, PC rooms, arcades, academies, beauty salons, stores, and marts must close by 9 p.m., and all gatherings and events, including weddings and funerals, are limited to fewer than 50 people.

The city plans to strengthen inspections during the level 2.5 social distancing period and impose fines and claim compensation for quarantine costs if administrative orders are violated.

Mayor Byeon requested, "Only the active cooperation and participation of citizens is the only way and hope to win this war," and "For the safety of myself, my family, and all of us, please minimize movement and contact and make quarantine rules a part of daily life to protect Geoje City from COVID-19."

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