"Request to Ease Gym Quarantine Measures"... Government "Preparing Revised Social Distancing Plan"

On the 18th, when indoor sports facilities in the metropolitan area resumed operations, citizens were exercising at a gym in Seoul. The quarantine authorities eased some social distancing measures for multi-use facilities such as cafes, indoor sports facilities, and singing practice rooms in the metropolitan area. From this day, cafes are allowed to serve customers on-site until 9 p.m., and gyms can operate with a limit of one person per 8 square meters. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] In response to a national petition requesting the relaxation of quarantine measures for indoor sports facilities, the government stated that it is "preparing a revised social distancing plan" and will create quarantine rules with high acceptance. They are also considering rewards for excellent quarantine sports facilities.

Kang Do-tae, Vice Minister of Health and Welfare, responded on the 28th to the national petition requesting "relaxation of indoor sports facility quarantine measures," saying, "We are listening to the difficulties and voices from the field and are preparing a revised social distancing plan that is more improved," he said.

The petition, posted in January by the Pilates & Fitness Business Federation, received support from a total of about 221,600 citizens.

Vice Minister Kang emphasized, "In February, we held two meetings with associations related to indoor sports facilities to hear opinions on quarantine rules within the new social distancing system," adding, "We will create quarantine rules with high acceptance that can solve difficulties in the field while enhancing the effectiveness of quarantine."

However, he added, "In April, the number of confirmed cases has been in the 600-700 range for two consecutive weeks, indicating a very high risk of COVID-19 spread," and "As the spread continues, we once again urge strict compliance with quarantine rules related to facility operations."

Regarding indoor sports facilities affected by COVID-19, Vice Minister Kang said, "Since January 18 of this year, when the third wave entered a declining phase, the ban on gatherings has been lifted to allow autonomous quarantine through responsible operation by the indoor sports facility industry," and he also emphasized that the government has supported the industry through a total of four rounds of disaster relief funds.

He continued, "We are considering additional support such as prize money for excellent quarantine indoor sports facilities, providing quarantine supplies to private sports facilities, and supporting and expanding quarantine expenses for sports facilities," expressing intentions for further assistance.

Vice Minister Kang said, "We sincerely sympathize with the economic difficulties of the indoor sports facility industry," and "We also once again thank you for actively cooperating with the government's quarantine measures to prevent the spread of community infections."

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