"Bowling Gathering of 18, Birthday Party with Over 10 People"... Safety Report Flooded with Tips

Numerous reports have been submitted to the 'Safe Report' operated by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, stating that the ban on private gatherings of five or more people is not being observed. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Hanah Na] Despite the government's "ban on private gatherings of five or more people" due to the third wave of COVID-19, cases of non-compliance are continuously emerging.

On the 30th, according to the Central Disease Control Headquarters (CDCH), numerous reports have been submitted to the "Safe Report" system operated by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, indicating that the ban on private gatherings of five or more people is not being observed in various meetings, clubs, and social gatherings.

Among the reports, there was information about a running group at Hangang Park where more than 20 people participate weekly while wearing masks lowered to their chins, so-called "cheokseukeu" (mask worn on the chin). There was also a report that 18 members of two bowling clubs gathered to hold a group bowling match.

Hobby groups and clubs fall under the category of "private gatherings," so meetings with five or more attendees are not allowed.

Reports were also filed to Safe Report about cases where more than 10 people gathered at universities and pubs to hold "birthday parties," and another report mentioned seven acquaintances gathering at a pension without masks for a private meeting, as well as a wine-related small group meeting held weekly at a restaurant that continuously recruited members.

Im Suk-young, the Situation General Manager of the Central Disease Control Headquarters, said at the regular briefing that day, "Private gatherings of five or more people are prohibited, but reports indicate that this rule is not being well observed," urging strict compliance with daily quarantine guidelines. She added, "One of the factors that helped reverse the domestic 'third wave' into a declining trend was the ban on private gatherings of five or more people," emphasizing, "Since the third wave is still ongoing, please strictly follow the quarantine rules."

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