Yeosu-si to Raise Social Distancing to Level 2 Starting from the 4th

Measures Following 9 Confirmed Cases Including 5 Over the Weekend

Comprehensive Testing for Workers at 6 Types of Entertainment Venues and Singing Practice Rooms

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Shim Kyung-taek] Yeosu City, Jeollanam-do (Mayor Kwon Oh-bong) announced on the 3rd that it will raise the social distancing level from 1.5 to 2 from 0:00 on the 4th to 12:00 on the 9th. During this period, gatherings and private meetings among city officials under the city will also be prohibited.

Mayor Kwon Oh-bong of Yeosu stated in a briefing on the day, “Confirmed cases have occurred among workers and users of entertainment establishments, and due to the nature of the industry, there is concern about multiple confirmed cases, so we are raising the level to 2.”

In the Yeosu area, 9 confirmed COVID-19 cases have occurred recently, including 5 over the weekend. A family of three spread the virus through family contact, with Yeosu cases 75 and 76 on the 29th of last month, followed by case 78 on the 1st, and on the same day, a worker at the Yeosu National Industrial Complex also tested positive.

Among the 5 cases related to entertainment establishments, 3 were confirmed on the 2nd and 2 on the 3rd, classified as Yeosu cases 79 through 83. Except for case 81, all are residents of Yeosu.

The city estimates that the 5 cases from entertainment establishments were in contact with confirmed cases within the establishments. All 9 confirmed cases have been transferred to Suncheon Medical Center.

The city tested 334 close contacts, including 294 related to Yeosu case 75 and 40 related to case 77, all of whom tested negative. Facilities visited by confirmed cases from entertainment establishments have undergone disinfection, and contacts are being identified.

Mayor Kwon said, “It is regrettable and I apologize to citizens that many confirmed cases have emerged from entertainment establishments, which have suffered economic and mental difficulties as they were classified as prohibited gathering businesses,” adding, “Please understand and cooperate that raising social distancing is an unavoidable measure to protect citizens’ safety and keep Yeosu clean.”

The city plans to respond strictly at the initial stage to prevent the spread of this infection outbreak from entertainment establishments to the wider community.

Mayor Kwon requested, “We will conduct COVID-19 tests for all owners and workers of the six types of entertainment facilities and singing practice rooms, and disclose seven entertainment establishments visited by confirmed cases after April 21 to guide users to get tested. Please check the movement paths of confirmed cases sent via safety disaster messages, and visitors to entertainment establishments should visit screening clinics at health centers for testing.”

He especially urged citizens, “As May is the month of family and the holiday season approaches, with expected increases in family gatherings and travel, please cooperate by refraining from interregional travel.”

With this upgrade to level 2, private gatherings of 5 or more people remain prohibited until the 9th, and restaurants and cafes are only allowed delivery and takeout from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. the next day.

The six types of entertainment facilities are prohibited from gathering, and singing practice rooms are also prohibited from gathering considering the balloon effect. Event restrictions for weddings and funerals are limited to fewer than 100 people, religious activities must be limited to 20% capacity for regular services, and gatherings, meals, and overnight stays are prohibited.

Meanwhile, Jeollanam-do Province allows private gatherings of 6 or more people until the 9th under the pilot application of the revised social distancing easing plan starting from this day.

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