Gwangju Region's 'Social Distancing' Level 3 Extended for 2 Weeks

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] According to the government policy to extend the current social distancing measures of Level 4 in the metropolitan area and Level 3 in non-metropolitan areas for two weeks, Gwangju region will also maintain Level 3.

On the afternoon of the 20th, Kim Jonghyo, Deputy Mayor of Gwangju Metropolitan City, announced through an online briefing, “We will extend social distancing Level 3 for two weeks from the 23rd of this month to the 5th of next month.”

Currently, the number of confirmed cases in the Gwangju region over the past week (13th to 19th) averaged 24 per day, an increase compared to the previous week (6th to 12th) which averaged 19.9 per day.

Since the elevation of social distancing to Level 4 in the metropolitan area on July 12, Gwangju City has continuously strengthened and maintained quarantine measures, but the spread has not been contained.

This extension of social distancing is analyzed as an inevitable measure to turn the trend of the fourth wave, which is at a critical turning point as people return to daily life after vacation, from increasing to decreasing.

Private gatherings are allowed up to 4 people. All events and assemblies are limited to fewer than 50 people, and six types of entertainment facilities, singing practice rooms (coin karaoke), bathhouses, swimming pools, and direct sales promotion centers for door-to-door sales are prohibited from operating from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. the next day.

Cafes and restaurants are only allowed to offer takeout and delivery from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. the next day, and other quarantine rules remain as currently applied.

Additionally, some quarantine rules have been supplemented. Eating inside convenience stores after 10 p.m. is prohibited, and the use of outdoor tables and chairs where eating is possible outside restaurants, cafes (including unmanned cafes), and convenience stores is also prohibited from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. the next day.

When using indoor smoking rooms, a minimum distance of 2 meters must be maintained.

Sports facilities for everyday exercise are prohibited from operating from midnight to 5 a.m. When using indoor sports facilities, masks must be worn and quarantine rules must be followed.

Gwangju City plans to strengthen inspections to prevent any loosening of quarantine and will strictly enforce measures such as business suspension and fines up to 3 million KRW based on the “Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act” if quarantine rules are violated.

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