Gwangju Extends Social Distancing Level 3... Gatherings Allowed Up to 8 People Including Vaccinated Individuals

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] The social distancing level 3 in Gwangju Metropolitan City will be extended for 4 weeks.

Mayor Lee Yong-seop of Gwangju announced on the 3rd, following the results of the COVID-19 public-private joint countermeasure committee meeting, that “the level 3 social distancing, which has been in effect since July 27, will be extended until October 3.”

With the Chuseok holiday approaching, the plan is to focus all efforts on ensuring a safer holiday and increasing the vaccination rate.

However, private gatherings at multi-use facilities and homes will still be limited to 4 people, but if vaccinated individuals are included, the limit has been adjusted to allow up to 8 people.

Additionally, quasi-large-scale stores (SSM) over 300㎡ and general retail businesses are recommended to manage entry logs such as through the “Safe Call” system, and the city will fully cover the communication fees for “Safe Call” until the end of this year.

The city plans to further strengthen preemptive quarantine measures in response to the increase in confirmed foreign cases.

Mayor Lee said, “So far, about 7,000 foreigners in Gwangsan-gu, a densely populated foreign resident area, have been tested, and over 100 confirmed cases have been found among them. However, it is understood that about 10,000 foreigners have not yet been tested, so we are actively promoting vaccination and encouraging preemptive testing centered on industrial complexes, companies, religious facilities, and community housing.”

He continued, “By October 10, an administrative order for COVID-19 diagnostic testing has been issued for all employers and workers at workplaces employing foreigners,” and urged, “Please make sure that no one misses the test.”

He added, “If this administrative order is not followed, a fine of up to 2 million won may be imposed according to the Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act,” and emphasized, “If infection occurs due to violation of the order, the city may claim compensation for all costs including quarantine expenses.”

Furthermore, he said, “For blocking the spread of COVID-19 and expanding vaccination, the active cooperation of all citizens is essential,” and requested, “Please strictly comply with quarantine rules with a much more urgent mindset than now.”

He also stated, “For the next month, special crackdowns on high-risk facilities will be strictly conducted jointly with the police and autonomous districts, and violations will be dealt with severely under relevant laws without exception,” and added, “Especially during this Chuseok holiday, please refrain from meeting family and relatives as much as possible, and if unavoidable, strictly follow quarantine rules such as limiting the number of people, wearing masks, and maintaining social distancing.”

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