Gatherings of 8 or More Immediate Family Members Allowed... Mixed Reactions to 'Vaccine Incentive' Implementation

On the morning of the 31st of last month, elderly individuals at the Guro-gu Public Health Center in Seoul are filling out pre-screening forms to receive the Pfizer vaccine. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Choyoung] People who have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine can now attend immediate family gatherings without any limit on the number of attendees. In nursing hospitals and care facilities where visits were previously banned or only allowed in a non-face-to-face manner, in-person visits are now permitted if either the patient or the visitor has completed vaccination.

According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters (CDCH) on the 1st, the government will provide various incentives from this day forward to support the daily recovery of vaccinated individuals. Those who are 14 days past their first dose, referred to as 'first-dose recipients,' and those who are 14 days past their second dose, referred to as 'fully vaccinated,' are eligible for these incentives.

First-dose or more vaccinated individuals are exempt from the current limit of 8 people for immediate family gatherings. For example, if two grandparents have completed vaccination, a total of 10 people can gather, including 8 unvaccinated family members. If 5 members of the immediate family are fully vaccinated, gatherings of up to 13 people are possible.

Various elderly facilities that had suspended operations due to COVID-19 will gradually resume activities. Vaccinated individuals can freely participate in programs where mask-wearing is possible, such as art and computer classes. The government is also considering prioritizing vaccinated individuals for elderly job programs.

The government will offer vaccinated individuals benefits such as discounts or waivers on entrance fees to national parks, recreational forests, and performance venues, as well as priority access. After making a reservation, presenting a vaccination certificate on-site will grant access to these benefits.

Furthermore, starting in July, when 13 million people, or 25% of the entire population, will have completed their first dose, a 'second phase incentive' will be implemented. Fully vaccinated individuals will be exempt from private gathering limits (such as 5 or 9 people) and can freely participate in small gatherings or holiday meetings.

Public reactions to the 'vaccine incentives' have been mixed. Some expressed gratitude and hope, saying, "I am thankful that after a year and a half, the whole family can gather." However, others voiced concerns, stating, "Given that confirmed cases are still occurring among first-dose recipients, granting 'no mask' benefits seems premature."

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