[Q&A] Why Are Gatherings 'Varied' with 4 in Daejeon, 6 in Jeju, and 8 in Daegu Even at Non-Capital Area Level 2?

Government: "Epidemic situation varies... Some local governments have stricter standards"

On the 13th, when the number of new COVID-19 cases exceeded 1,000 for a week straight, citizens were waiting for testing at the Gangnam Express Bus Terminal in Seocho-gu, Seoul. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jeong] On the 14th, as the number of new COVID-19 cases reached a record high of 1,615, the government will raise the 'social distancing' level to Level 2 in non-metropolitan areas starting from the 15th to prevent the nationwide spread of the '4th wave.' Accordingly, in non-metropolitan areas at Level 2, except for Sejong, Jeonbuk, Jeonnam, and Gyeongbuk, gatherings are limited to 4 to 8 people depending on the region, including family and acquaintances, and restaurants and cafes are only allowed to operate for takeout and delivery after midnight. We have summarized the key questions regarding the new distancing measures.

Q. Even in non-metropolitan areas, the allowed number of private gatherings varies by region.

A. When Level 2 is applied, private gatherings are limited to up to 8 people. However, some local governments have strengthened the criteria for private gatherings. Sejong, Daejeon, and Chungbuk allow only up to 4 people, while Ulsan and Jeju permit up to 6 people. Jeonbuk, Jeonnam, and Gyeongbuk remain at Level 1 with no restrictions on private gatherings but have tightened the limit to 8 people. In Daejeon and Ulsan, entertainment facilities operate until 11 PM, and Sejong, Busan, Gangwon, and Jeju plan to suspend incentives for vaccinated individuals.

Q. The varying limits and quarantine rules by region may cause confusion.

A. There is a significant regional disparity in patient occurrence. Currently, 75% of locally transmitted cases are concentrated in the metropolitan area, and the remaining 25% in non-metropolitan areas are divided between regions with high and low case numbers. For example, the Honam region currently has fewer cases than the Level 1 standard, whereas Daejeon, Chungcheong, Busan, and Gyeongnam have quite a few cases. Ignoring these regional risk differences and imposing uniform nationwide commercial restrictions could cause unnecessary damage to livelihoods rather than effectively preventing infections. This awareness led to the adjustment of distancing levels.

Q. Jeju is expected to attract many people during the vacation season and meets Level 3 criteria. Why is it not being raised?

A. Jeju raised its level to 2 two days ago and is continuously monitoring the outbreak situation. Discussions on the necessity of raising to Level 3 are ongoing. There is a possibility of upgrading to Level 3 depending on the outbreak, and if the situation worsens, Jeju will decide and announce the Level 3 upgrade independently.

Q. Quarantine measures have been strengthened for beaches, department stores, marts, door-to-door sales facilities, and financial institutions.

A. The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries plans to provide incentives such as awards and facility improvement support to beaches with excellent quarantine measures. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy will increase on-site inspections of large distribution facilities like metropolitan department stores and large marts from once a week to five times a week, strengthening checks on vulnerable areas such as food courts, staff lounges, and ventilation systems. The Financial Services Commission will inspect financial institutions to ensure they implement telecommuting, staggered working hours, and dispersed work systems at recommended rates (30%) or higher to reduce office crowding.

Q. Residents in the metropolitan area have been urged to refrain from gatherings and outings as much as possible for the next two weeks. Is the 4th wave expected to stabilize after two weeks?

A. When distancing measures are strengthened, it takes about one week at the earliest and 12 days to two weeks at the latest for effects to appear. If everyone cooperates and endures for two weeks, it is expected that the situation will stabilize after that period. Ultimately, reducing contact is the best strategy.

Q. When will the announcement be made regarding the adjustment of the metropolitan area distancing level effective from the 26th?

A. It is difficult to say precisely. The outbreak is currently expanding mainly in the metropolitan area, so daily developments are crucial. Since the effects of distancing measures typically appear after about a week, it is necessary to observe whether the Level 4 distancing measures in the metropolitan area will effectively influence the outbreak. It is expected that the current week will continue to see many cases, and from next week, close attention will be paid to how the situation evolves. Based on next week's outbreak status and consultations with local governments and experts, adjustments to distancing levels and quarantine measures from two weeks later will likely be made.

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