What Changes During Social Distancing Level 3?

On the 27th, citizens are waiting to be tested at a temporary screening clinic for the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) set up at Seoul Station Plaza. Photo by Asia Economy

[Asia Economy Reporter Hana Na] The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters is scheduled to decide on follow-up measures for the social distancing levels of 2.5 in the metropolitan area and 2 in non-metropolitan areas, which will end at midnight on the 28th, during a meeting on the afternoon of the 27th. Attention is focused on whether the social distancing level will be raised to level 3.

Despite special measures to strengthen quarantine during the year-end and New Year period, such as banning gatherings of five or more people, the number of confirmed cases has not decreased.

Social distancing level 3 is implemented when the average daily domestic confirmed cases exceed 800 to 1,000 for one week or when the daily confirmed cases double.

If the level 3 escalation is implemented suddenly, private gatherings outside of restaurants will be 'prohibited' rather than 'recommended' even in non-metropolitan areas. Wedding halls will be closed, and funerals will be limited to fewer than 10 people. Religious activities and in-person schooling will be completely banned and replaced with online remote or video lectures.

Additionally, nationwide approximately 2.09 million multi-use facilities such as stores (except for essential goods and medicine purchases), movie theaters, wedding halls, beauty salons, PC bangs, study cafes, and amusement parks will be subject to assembly bans. Facilities exempt from the assembly ban include essential industry facilities, residential and lodging facilities, and medical facilities.

For workplace attendance, telecommuting will be mandatory except for essential personnel. The operation of indoor and outdoor national and public facilities will be completely suspended. However, social welfare facilities are recommended to close or suspend services, but essential services such as emergency care will continue to be provided.

Sports games and spectating will also be suspended, and reservations for transportation facilities such as KTX and express buses will be limited to within 50% capacity.

Currently, the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters is reviewing a plan to ban indoor dining at restaurants, allowing only takeout and delivery. To prevent panic buying, sales of essential goods at large supermarkets will be permitted, but the number of people allowed inside will be limited.

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