Authorities "Considering Reopening Indoor Sports Facilities After 2 Weeks of Intensive Quarantine Measures" (Update)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jeong] The government has extended the current social distancing levels and the year-end and New Year special quarantine measures until the 17th, and stated that if focused quarantine effects appear over the next two weeks, it will consider reopening indoor sports facilities and other businesses.

Son Young-rae, head of the Strategic Planning Division at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH), said at a press briefing on the 5th, "If quarantine results appear over the two weeks, rather than applying a gathering ban, we are discussing allowing business operations while preventing infections," adding, "We will seek opinions from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and review feedback from the field."

However, Son asked for understanding that the gathering ban on indoor sports facilities such as gyms in the metropolitan area was an unavoidable measure for quarantine.

He explained, "In November last year, there were a total of 7 cluster infection cases in indoor sports facilities, resulting in 583 patients," specifying "gyms, billiard halls, swimming pools, aerobic facilities, etc."

Son said, "Since the gathering ban was implemented, no infections have occurred," adding, "This is because indoor sports facilities have the characteristic of emitting droplets (saliva) in enclosed spaces."

Regarding the allowance of Taekwondo and ballet academies, he said, "Taekwondo academies are limited to 9 people at the same time for childcare functions and are only allowed for children or students, so direct comparison is difficult."

Son added, "If focused quarantine results appear over the two weeks, rather than applying a gathering ban, we will allow business operations while preventing infections, seek opinions from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and review feedback from the field," and urged, "Please endure for about 12 more days."

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