Current Social Distancing Measures Extended Until the 17th... Nationwide Expansion of 'Ban on Gatherings of 5 People' (Update)

On the 30th, as the temperature dropped sharply overnight bringing a year-end cold wave, citizens lined up to get tested at a temporary screening clinic set up at Seoul Station Plaza. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The social distancing measures of level 2.5 in the metropolitan area and level 2 in non-metropolitan areas will be extended for two more weeks until the 17th.

The core measure of the year-end and New Year special measures, which bans gatherings of five or more people, will be expanded nationwide and extended for two weeks. However, winter sports facilities such as academies and ski resorts will be allowed to operate with restrictions.

The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) announced at a regular briefing on the 2nd, "The current distancing measures and the core measures of the year-end and New Year special measures will be extended for two weeks until the 17th."

First, the ban on private gatherings of five or more people, which was only applied in the metropolitan area, will be expanded nationwide until the 17th. Private gatherings include alumni meetings, clubs, picnics, company dinners, savings clubs, housewarmings, New Year’s and year-end parties, first birthday parties, 60th and 70th birthday celebrations, and regular meetings of online cafes.

However, families living in the same residence or gatherings for the care of children, elderly, or disabled persons, or family gatherings due to a terminal illness are allowed to meet even if there are five or more people. Also, workers at multi-use facilities are excluded from the five-person limit.

Gatherings and events such as weddings, funerals, briefings, and public hearings can be held with up to 49 people in the metropolitan area and up to 99 people in non-metropolitan areas. For religious facilities, the level 2.5 measures will be applied nationwide, requiring regular worship services, masses, Buddhist ceremonies, and memorial services to be conducted online.

The core measures of the year-end and New Year special measures will be extended for two weeks. However, some measures will be eased.

Reservations at accommodation facilities nationwide, including hotels, resorts, and guesthouses, will be limited to within two-thirds of the total rooms, an increase from the previous half.

Winter sports facilities such as academies in the metropolitan area and ski resorts nationwide, which had been closed, will be allowed to open with restrictions. Academies and private institutes in the metropolitan area may operate if the number of students per session is nine or fewer. However, operating dormitories or other lodging facilities is prohibited.

Winter sports facilities nationwide, including ski resorts, sledding hills, and ice rinks, will be allowed to operate with restrictions. The number of visitors will be limited to one-third of capacity, and facilities must close after 9 p.m. Restaurants, cafes, arcades, and other ancillary facilities except for equipment rental and changing rooms must close, and eating inside the facilities is prohibited. Shuttle bus services between ski resorts and other regions will also be suspended.

Enclosed outdoor screen golf courses in the metropolitan area will be included in the gathering ban, just like indoor screen golf courses. This is due to concerns that many gatherings occur at these golf courses while eating and drinking.

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