Gwangju City Extends Strengthened Social Distancing Level 1.5 for One Week

Kim Jong-hyo, Deputy Mayor of Gwangju Metropolitan City, held an online briefing on COVID-19 at the city hall briefing room on the afternoon of the 30th, announcing the extension of the enhanced social distancing level 1.5 for one week. Photo by Gwangju Metropolitan City

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Seon-gang] Gwangju Metropolitan City will extend the strengthened social distancing level 1.5, which is set to end on the 2nd of next month, for one more week.

On the 30th at 2 p.m., Deputy Mayor Kim Jong-hyo held an online briefing regarding COVID-19 and stated, “Considering the government’s decision and the current trend of infection cases, the strengthened social distancing level 1.5 will be extended for one week from the 3rd to the 9th of next month.” He added, “This measure was taken despite the situation warranting an escalation of social distancing levels, due to the remaining capacity in medical response systems such as hospital beds and the potential damage to the livelihood economy if the social distancing level is raised.”

Accordingly, the strengthened quarantine rules will be maintained, including ▲a ban on gatherings for sports clubs related to recreational sports ▲suspension of operations from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. the next day for five types of entertainment facilities (entertainment bars, colatecs, karaoke bars, emotional pubs, and hunting pochas) ▲restaurants and cafes allowed only takeout and delivery from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. the next day ▲religious activities limited to 20% seating capacity participation.

▲The ban on private gatherings of five or more people will also remain in effect.

The city emphasized that it will continue to strictly respond with a zero-tolerance policy if quarantine rules are violated.

Deputy Mayor Kim Jong-hyo said, “If new sources of infection appear and community transmission spreads, it will be inevitable to consider strengthening quarantine measures and escalating the level.” He urged, “To prevent escalation to level 2, which causes inconvenience to citizens and difficulties to the local economy, we ask all citizens to do their best to comply with the quarantine rules.”

He continued, “Tomorrow marks the beginning of May. May is a time when various anniversaries and events lead to active outdoor activities and many meetings among people.” He added, “This year, we ask you to refrain from face-to-face meetings and spend the Family Month conveying your feelings non-face-to-face.”

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