Administrative Order Banning 'In-Person Worship' in All Churches in Gwangju Region Until the 10th of Next Month

No gatherings or meals hosted by religious facilities... 'Violations' will be dealt with most strictly under the law

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] From the 30th of this month to the 10th of next month, all churches in the Gwangju area will be completely banned from holding 'in-person worship services.'

On the 29th, Lee Yong-seop, Mayor of Gwangju Metropolitan City, announced in an online briefing that starting from the 30th, an administrative order will be issued to ban all in-person worship services at churches for 12 days and switch to non-face-to-face online worship services.

Currently, 212 confirmed cases related to churches, including TCS International School, have occurred in the Gwangju area. This accounts for 33% of confirmed cases this month.

Among the confirmed cases related to religious facilities, workers at multi-use facilities such as hospitals, kindergartens, schools, public institutions, caregivers, fast food outlets, and cafes are widely included, and secondary infections have already begun.

In addition, due to close exchanges between churches, infections are spreading to other churches.

Accordingly, Gwangju City has issued this administrative order. All gatherings and meals organized by religious facilities are also prohibited.

Along with this, Gwangju City plans to take necessary measures such as direct complaints against illegal activities that threaten the safety of the Gwangju community.

Violations of the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act and other regulations have been reviewed and addressed by the relevant autonomous districts so far, but from now on, Gwangju City will directly take the strongest possible measures within the scope permitted by law for major violations.

Mayor Lee Yong-seop of Gwangju said, "This administrative measure is an unavoidable action to protect the lives and safety of citizens from COVID-19," and added, "We sincerely apologize to most churches, pastors, and congregants who have been faithfully following quarantine rules."

He continued, "The current situation is urgent and serious, so we have no choice but to ban in-person worship services for all churches," and said, "Going forward, we will actively consider ways to minimize damage to churches that faithfully comply with quarantine rules."

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