Yeonggwang-gun Extends 'Social Distancing Level 1.5' Until Next Month 2

[Yeonggwang=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters reporter Lee Jeonseong] Jeollanam-do Yeonggwang-gun (Governor Kim Junsung) conducted training for senior public officials on extending the current social distancing level 1.5 for three weeks until the 2nd of next month, in accordance with the government's policy to extend social distancing measures.

According to the county on the 12th, this extension was decided for three weeks, longer than usual, considering the serious situation where the nationwide daily average of COVID-19 confirmed cases exceeds 550, making short-term improvement difficult, and the increasing public fatigue due to continued distancing.

However, if the outbreak spreads and the situation worsens, an elevation of the distancing level, including gathering bans, will be considered even before the 2nd of next month.

With this extension, the ban on private gatherings of five or more people remains in effect (exceptions apply for cohabitants, direct family members, wedding meetings, and when accompanied by infants and young children, allowing up to eight people), and direct sales promotion centers such as door-to-door sales will continue to be closed from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. the following day.

Regardless of the social distancing level, the seven basic quarantine rules must be strictly followed, and violations will result in immediate fines and business suspensions without administrative guidance, following a zero-tolerance policy.

Mask-wearing guidelines have also been strengthened, expanding the mandatory mask-wearing scope. Masks must be worn indoors at all times and outdoors where maintaining a distance of 2 meters or more is difficult, as well as at gatherings, performances, and events, regardless of the distancing level.

Violations of mask-wearing and other quarantine rules will result in fines of up to 100,000 KRW for individuals regardless of the number of offenses, and for facility managers and operators, fines of up to 1.5 million KRW for the first offense and up to 3 million KRW for subsequent offenses.

Governor Kim Junsung said, “As infections are spreading nationwide, we ask residents to refrain from gatherings, outings, and visiting other regions,” and added, “Those with suspected COVID-19 symptoms or who have been recommended diagnostic tests at hospitals or clinics should immediately visit the nearest screening clinic for free testing.”

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