Self-Employed Sigh Deeply Over Extension of Social Distancing Measures

Published 06 Aug.2021 11:07(KST)

On the 6th, the government decided to extend the current social distancing measures?Level 4 in the metropolitan area and Level 3 in non-metropolitan areas?originally scheduled to end on the 8th, for an additional two weeks until the 22nd. During this period, the ban on private gatherings will remain in effect, allowing up to two people in the metropolitan area after 6 p.m. and up to four people in non-metropolitan areas. On this day, a sign reading "Those who drink early get to drink one more glass" was installed in front of a restaurant in Myeongdong. The desperation of small business owners is palpable. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

The waiting list (right) at a restaurant in Myeongdong is completely empty. A restaurant staff member is wiping the tables ahead of lunchtime. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

The spread of the fourth wave of COVID-19 shows no signs of slowing down. The number of new confirmed cases has remained in the 1,700s for three consecutive days. As a result, the government has decided to extend the strict social distancing and private gathering restrictions for another two weeks. Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum explained the reason for the extension at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting held at the Government Seoul Office, stating, “Thanks to the patience and cooperation of the people, we have managed to put out the urgent fire, but unfortunately, the flames of infection continue to burn.” The atmosphere on the streets of Myeongdong before lunchtime was heavy. Here is a collection of related photos.