[Q&A] Up to 4 People for Private Gatherings Outside the Capital Area... No Exceptions for Fully Vaccinated in Daejeon, Gwangju, Busan, Sejong, and Jeju

Unified Capacity Limits by Region... "Reducing Public Confusion and Preventing Balloon Effect"

On the 18th, when the large-scale spread of COVID-19 continued in Korea, citizens lined up in a long queue at the temporary screening clinic at Seoul Station to get tested. According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters, as of midnight on that day, the number of new confirmed cases increased by 1,454, marking the highest figure for a weekend. The number has recorded four digits for 12 consecutive days since the 7th, when it was 1,212. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jeong] As COVID-19 cases have recently surged not only in the metropolitan area but also in non-metropolitan areas, the government has limited private gatherings in non-metropolitan areas to a maximum of 4 people for two weeks from tomorrow until the 1st of next month. Although social distancing level 2 has been applied in non-metropolitan areas since the 15th, except for some regions, the limit on private gatherings varies from 4 to 8 people depending on the region, causing confusion. We have summarized the questions regarding the changed quarantine rules starting tomorrow.

Q. Why was the private gathering limit in non-metropolitan areas set to 4 people?

A. In the metropolitan area, social distancing level 4 is currently in effect, allowing up to 4 people during the day and only 2 people after 6 p.m. In non-metropolitan areas, level 2 has been applied since the 15th except for some regions, but the limit on private gatherings varies from 4 to 8 people depending on the region, causing confusion among the public. Even within the Chungcheong region, Daejeon and Chungbuk allow up to 4 people, while Chungnam allows up to 8, raising concerns about a 'balloon effect.' Especially considering the active movement between regions ahead of the peak summer vacation season, the limit was unified to 4 people to minimize interregional movement and prevent public confusion.

Q. Are there any exceptions to the private gathering limit in non-metropolitan areas?

A. Exceptions apply to cohabiting family members, caregiving (children, elderly, disabled, etc.), end-of-life care, and cases where the minimum number of people is required for sports team formation. Direct family gatherings consisting of grandparents, parents, and children are also exempt. Matchmaking meetings are allowed up to 8 people, and first birthday parties (doljanchi) can have up to 16 attendees. Fully vaccinated individuals are exempt and not counted in the private gathering limit. However, in major cities such as Daejeon, Gwangju, Busan, Sejong, and in Jeju where movement from the metropolitan area is a concern, fully vaccinated individuals are not excluded from the gathering limit.

On the 18th, when the large-scale spread of COVID-19 continued in Korea, medical staff were guiding citizens at the temporary screening clinic at Seoul Station. According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters, as of midnight that day, the number of new confirmed cases increased by 1,454, marking the highest figure for a weekend. The number has recorded four digits for 12 consecutive days since the 7th, when it was 1,212. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

Q. Why are fully vaccinated individuals included in the gathering limit in some regions but not in others?

A. Opinions differ somewhat among local governments. For example, rural and county areas with many farming and fishing villages have a high proportion of elderly residents, with vaccination rates reaching 60-70%. In contrast, special cities and metropolitan cities have different regional characteristics with lower numbers of fully vaccinated or first-dose vaccinated individuals. Due to differing local government positions, the overall recommendation is to exempt fully vaccinated individuals, but discretion is left to each local government. Regions applying incentives for fully vaccinated individuals regarding private gatherings in non-metropolitan areas include Chungbuk, Chungnam, Jeonbuk, Jeonnam, Daegu, Ulsan, Gyeongbuk, and Gangwon, while non-applying regions include Sejong, Daejeon, Gwangju, Busan, Gyeongnam, Jeju, and Gangneung City in Gangwon.

Q. Jeju will apply level 3 and Gangneung City level 4 from tomorrow.

A. While the metropolitan area continues to experience an outbreak, non-metropolitan areas are also showing a clear upward trend. Especially Jeju, Daejeon-Chungcheong, and Busan-Gyeongnam regions are spreading rapidly, and all non-metropolitan areas except Honam and Gyeongbuk are above level 2 criteria, prompting local governments to adjust social distancing levels. Gangneung City, where level 4 will be applied, plans to follow the basic level 4 rules currently presented, and will announce a comprehensive summary considering the special regional circumstances.

Q. What are the local governments' opinions on unifying the private gathering limit to 4 people?

A. When local governments were consulted on applying a 4-person limit on private gatherings in all non-metropolitan areas, all expressed support. Considering the rapid increase in cases in the metropolitan area and increased movement during the vacation season, they generally respect the central government's decision. However, they requested to maintain the current rule allowing local governments to autonomously adjust social distancing levels considering the difficulties of small business owners, and to strengthen communication at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters level to minimize regional conflicts.

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