Government Proposes Exemption from 10 PM Curfew for Vaccinated Individuals

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jin-young] The Democratic Party of Korea proposed to the government on the 24th to provide incentives, such as exempting those who have completed COVID-19 vaccination from the 10 PM gathering ban, to encourage vaccination.

The Democratic Party's Special Committee on Vaccines and Therapeutics held a meeting that day and suggested these incentive measures to quarantine authorities including the Office for Government Policy Coordination and the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Jeon Hye-sook, the committee chairperson, told reporters after the meeting, “There was a discussion about giving incentives that allow vaccinated individuals to freely access senior centers or social welfare centers.”

When asked by reporters whether the plan to lift the 10 PM access restriction for vaccinated people was discussed, Rep. Jeon replied, “That was also mentioned. Since small business owners and self-employed people are suffering losses, there was discussion about prioritizing vaccination for them.”

She added, “There was also discussion about incentives to lift restrictions through QR code verification, allowing those working in culture, sports, and arts fields to freely engage in activities once vaccinated.”

The special committee also discussed lifting age restrictions for those who voluntarily wish to be vaccinated to increase the vaccination rate. Currently, the government prioritizes vaccination for the elderly.

Additionally, topics such as ‘vaccine passports’ and ‘vaccine leave’ were brought to the discussion table. Rep. Jeon emphasized, “Vaccine passports should be mutually recognized with other countries to exempt travelers from self-quarantine. It was mentioned that this issue should be actively reviewed not only for business purposes but also for various other matters.”

Regarding vaccine leave, she said, “We have proposed it to the government,” but added, “Since there are private companies as well, it cannot be mandated.”

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