[Q&A] "Is it okay for an idolbomi and a family of four to live in the same house?"

Q&A on Nationwide Ban on Gatherings of Five or More People

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The 'ban on private gatherings of five or more people' currently applied in the Seoul metropolitan area will be expanded nationwide starting from 0:00 on the 4th. The ban on private gatherings of five or more means prohibiting temporary gatherings or meeting activities where five or more people meet at the same time and place according to a pre-arranged schedule for private purposes such as socializing. We have clarified related questions such as where the restrictions apply and what exceptions exist.

- Are caregivers, nursing assistants, and babysitters allowed to be in a household with a family of four?

▲ Exceptions are allowed for families or care workers (babysitters, nursing assistants, activity supporters, etc.) who do not share the same living space, as well as acquaintances who are not family members gathering for caregiving purposes.

- I plan to hold a small wedding at a restaurant, not a wedding hall. In this case, can only up to four people gather?

▲ Regardless of the location, weddings are excluded from the ban on private gatherings of five or more. According to the social distancing stage gathering and event standards, up to 49 people are allowed in the metropolitan area and up to 99 people in non-metropolitan areas.

- Are newborns counted as one person?

▲ There is no age restriction on the number of people in a gathering. Therefore, infants and toddlers are counted as one person each.

- If parents are critically ill, can children and grandchildren gather?

▲ Families sharing the same living space are not subject to the ban on private gatherings of five or more. Even if they do not share the same living space, gatherings for the purpose of a deathbed visit are an exception.

- If five or more employees want to have lunch outside the company?

▲ Lunch among employees is considered a private gathering and is therefore not allowed. Meals after work meetings or conferences are also considered private gatherings. However, the ban on gatherings of five or more does not apply to company cafeterias.

- Can only up to four people use accommodations such as condos or pensions?

▲ Restrictions may apply depending on the purpose of using the accommodation. Use is allowed according to the room capacity for official business, unavoidable business trips for essential corporate management activities, or families sharing the same living space. However, for private gatherings, only up to four people can use the room within its capacity.

- Since gatherings of five or more are not allowed in restaurants, can we meet at a movie theater instead?

▲ The ban on private gatherings of five or more applies to all indoor and outdoor locations. Accordingly, private gatherings of five or more are prohibited in all multi-use facilities, including movie theaters.

- Can only up to four people enter a classroom in an academy?

▲ Academies are not subject to the ban on private gatherings of five or more because they do not constitute gatherings for socializing.

- On moving day, if family or friends who live separately come to help, is only up to four people allowed?

▲ Moving is not for the purpose of socializing, so it is not subject to the limit on the number of people. However, if a gathering for socializing such as a meal follows after moving, only up to four people are allowed.

- I am a job seeker planning to have an interview study group. Does the ban on private gatherings of five or more apply in this case?

▲ Yes. Study groups are also subject to the measure, so only up to four people are allowed.

- What penalties are imposed if the ban on gatherings of five or more is violated?

▲ A fine of up to 100,000 KRW may be imposed under infectious disease-related laws. Fines can be imposed multiple times, and if a confirmed case occurs due to violation of administrative orders, a claim for compensation for treatment and other costs may be made.

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