Haenam-gun Enforces Strong Social Distancing Level 2 with 'Ban on Private Gatherings of 5 or More'

The Fourth Wave Nationwide Spread Crisis, Accelerated Despite Strengthened Quarantine and Vaccination Efforts

Haenam-gun Office Building Exterior (Photo by Haenam-gun)

[Haenam＝Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Hyun] Jeonnam Haenam-gun (Governor Myeong Hyun-gwan) announced on the 16th that following the elevation to social distancing level 2, from the 19th, strengthened quarantine measures will be implemented for two weeks, limiting private gatherings to up to 4 people.

This measure is being implemented to prevent community infections in advance by limiting the number of people in private gatherings to minimize contact, as the so-called "balloon effect" has appeared where the elevation to level 4 in the metropolitan area is causing the spread to non-metropolitan areas, and especially with the summer vacation season, the influx of external tourists as well as an increase in hometown visitors is expected.

Accordingly, from the 19th, private gatherings will be allowed up to 4 people for two weeks. However, those who have completed vaccination are not included in the number of people for private gatherings.

Also, according to the social distancing level 2 measures implemented since the 16th, everyone, including vaccinated persons, is required to wear masks indoors and outdoors, and the operation of multi-use facilities such as singing rooms and entertainment establishments is prohibited from midnight to 5 a.m. the next day.

Attendance at events, assemblies, wedding halls, and funeral halls is allowed up to fewer than 100 people. Cafes and restaurants are restricted from operating from midnight, with only takeout and delivery allowed.

Furthermore, in order to block the inflow into the community amid the spread of COVID-19 to neighboring cities and counties, visits and contacts with other regions including the metropolitan area are discouraged, and free diagnostic tests are recommended for those who must visit or have contact.

In particular, weekly diagnostic tests are recommended for workers in entertainment facilities and foreign labor employment workplaces. While actively encouraging multi-use facilities such as restaurants to register for the Safe Call system, inspections on compliance with quarantine rules will be strengthened.

Governor Myeong Hyun-gwan stated, "As the fourth wave of COVID-19 is intensifying, our region is by no means a situation to be complacent about. We will maintain a thorough quarantine system to protect the safety of residents, even if it seems excessive, and will do our best without lowering our guard."

He added, "Residents are urged to wear masks, refrain from visiting other local governments and contact with outsiders for the time being, and it is important to complete vaccination according to the vaccination schedule."

Haenam=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Hyun kh0424@asiae.co.kr

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