Daegu and Gyeongju Withdraw 11 PM Extension... Confusion Amid Disjointed Quarantine Measures (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jeong] Daegu and Gyeongju cities decided on the 18th to independently extend the operating hours of restaurants and cafes until 11 PM, but withdrew the extension after the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters expressed regret. Criticism has arisen that the government and local governments stirred confusion by deciding major quarantine policies without prior consultation and then reversing them.

According to Daegu and Gyeongju on the 17th, the social distancing adjustment plan to extend operating hours of restaurants and cafes from the existing 9 PM to 11 PM was withdrawn that afternoon. Due to strong controversy over fairness with other local governments, the original policy was nullified and the government guideline of 9 PM was reinstated.

Son Young-rae, head of the Social Strategy Division at the Central Disaster Management Headquarters, expressed concern at the regular briefing that day, saying, "Because Daegu announced first without prior consultation, many local governments raised issues."

Son said, "Currently, both the central government and local governments have equal authority over social distancing stages, so local governments also have the authority to adjust detailed aspects of the stages. However, since issues of fairness between industries or regions among local governments or problems caused by balloon effects may arise, it was decided to make decisions after prior consultation."

Earlier, on the 16th, the government extended the social distancing stages for two more weeks, maintaining level 2.5 in the metropolitan area and level 2 in non-metropolitan areas. Operating restrictions for restaurants remained unchanged at 9 PM. However, Daegu allowed karaoke rooms, indoor sports facilities, as well as restaurants and cafes to operate until 11 PM starting the 18th, sparking controversy.

Son emphasized, "It was agreed to prevent such issues from recurring," adding, "In the future, important decisions like this will be made through discussions involving central ministries and local governments at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters level." He also hinted at the possibility of withdrawal, stating, "Tomorrow, we plan to hold a working-level meeting with local governments to issue a warning again and urge joint efforts due to this issue."

Earlier, Gyeongju City in Gyeongbuk also announced an adjustment plan to extend restaurant operating hours to 11 PM starting the 18th, but withdrew the related measures within a few hours amid controversy.

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