Jeong Sye-gyun: "Capital area business hours extended until 10 PM... Social distancing level downgraded" (Update)

COVID-19 Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters Meeting... 'Ban on Gatherings of More Than 5 People' Remains in Place

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun is speaking while presiding over the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) meeting for COVID-19 response held at the Government Seoul Office on the morning of the 13th, a holiday. February 13, 2021.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Son Sunhee] Prime Minister Jeong Se-gyun stated on the 13th, "Despite the excruciating pain, we are easing business restrictions for small business owners and self-employed individuals who have cooperated with quarantine measures," adding, "Multi-use facilities in the metropolitan area will be allowed to operate until 10 PM." He continued, "Nationwide entertainment facilities will resume operations until 10 PM on the condition that they comply with core quarantine rules."

On the same day, Prime Minister Jeong chaired the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting at the Government Seoul Office and said, "However, considering that the spark of the third wave is still alive, the 'ban on gatherings of five or more people' will remain in place."

Additionally, the social distancing levels were downgraded. Prime Minister Jeong said, "Starting the day after tomorrow, for two weeks, social distancing in the metropolitan area will be eased to level 2, and other regions to level 1.5," adding, "The adjustment of levels was made faithfully according to principles while considering the public's fatigue." However, he added the condition, "Each local government may raise the social distancing level depending on the regional outbreak situation." This adjustment plan will be applied after the Lunar New Year holiday.

Prime Minister Jeong expressed concern, saying, "The government has deliberated extensively to find a balance between quarantine and livelihood while reviewing this adjustment plan," and "Since 300 to 400 confirmed cases continue to occur daily, the situation is by no means reassuring." Nevertheless, he said, "The core of this adjustment plan is to shift from 'quarantine that forces closures' to 'quarantine practiced voluntarily,'" and added, "The quarantine authorities have held sufficient consultations with related associations and organizations regarding quarantine rules by industry, and immediate closure orders will be enforced on businesses that violate these rules."

Regarding the majority of citizens refraining from movement despite the Lunar New Year holiday, Prime Minister Jeong said, "I bow my head in gratitude for the participation and cooperation of the people." He continued, "Starting the day after tomorrow, for two weeks, we will boldly attempt quarantine based on 'autonomy and responsibility,'" and added, "Building on this, I hope that from March, we can develop 'sustainable quarantine' to accelerate the restoration of daily life for all citizens."

Meanwhile, domestic COVID-19 vaccinations will begin on the 26th. The vaccine to be administered is the AstraZeneca product. Prime Minister Jeong dismissed concerns about vaccine safety raised by some, stating, "To end COVID-19, vaccination along with social distancing is the most certain method, according to infectious disease experts both domestically and internationally," and "Over 100 million people in 76 countries worldwide, including the United States and Europe, have been vaccinated so far, and no special adverse effects have been confirmed."

He warned, "The government is thoroughly verifying the safety and efficacy of the vaccine chosen by our country," and "We will not allow any possibility that could affect the health of the people even slightly." He added, "Vaccines belong to the realm of science. Judgments cannot be made based on vague rumors or inaccurate information," and urged, "Please trust the information transparently provided by the government and actively participate in vaccination."

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