Prime Minister Kim: "Chuseok Family Gatherings Allow 'Up to 8 People' Including 4 Fully Vaccinated" (Update)

COVID-19 Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters Meeting

Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum announced the adjustment plan for social distancing measures during the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters meeting held at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 3rd. On this day, Prime Minister Kim stated, "The current social distancing levels (Level 4 in the metropolitan area and Level 3 in non-metropolitan areas) will be extended until October 3, and the operating hours of restaurants and cafes in Level 4 areas such as the metropolitan area will be restored from 9 PM to 10 PM." Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Son Seon-hee] Family gatherings of up to 8 people will be allowed during the upcoming Chuseok holiday. However, at least 4 of them must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Additionally, the Level 4 social distancing measures applied in the metropolitan area have been extended until the 3rd of next month. This has been in place for about three months since early July. However, considering the difficulties faced by the public, the operating hours for restaurants and cafes in Level 4 areas have been relaxed from 9 PM to 10 PM. The limit on private gatherings has also been eased to allow up to 6 people. However, before 6 PM, at least 2 fully vaccinated individuals must be included, and after 6 PM, at least 4 fully vaccinated individuals must be included.

Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum chaired the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting on the 3rd and announced these quarantine measures. They will be applied for four weeks until the 3rd of next month, including the Chuseok holiday. Prime Minister Kim said, "I ask that gatherings be kept to a minimum number of people, mainly those who have completed vaccination, so that you can share affection joyfully and safely."

Prime Minister Kim stated, "The recent spread of COVID-19 seems to be somewhat slowing down, but there are still days when 2,000 new cases are reported, making the situation very unstable and stagnant. The government has maintained strong quarantine measures while reasonably adjusting the standards to alleviate some of the public’s difficulties."

In areas where Level 3 social distancing is applied, private gatherings of up to 8 people, including 4 fully vaccinated individuals, will be allowed. For wedding halls, attendance of up to 99 people is permitted on the condition that no meals are served.

Prime Minister Kim said, "The government will focus all its efforts on rapidly increasing the vaccination rate throughout September. If the public’s participation and cooperation are added, we will welcome October in a safer situation. In that case, the government will actively implement quarantine measures that bring us one step closer to normal life recovery."

Meanwhile, regarding the Moderna vaccine, which recently faced supply disruptions, he emphasized, "Two million doses arrived domestically yesterday and today, and the agreed quantities will continue to arrive until next week. Before Chuseok, sufficient vaccines will be introduced to achieve the goal of 'over 70% of the population receiving the first dose,' and there will be no disruption to the vaccination plan announced to the public."

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