Contact visits at welfare facilities allowed only for fully vaccinated... Unvaccinated prohibited from going out

COVID-19 Vaccination Electronic Certificate
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Chunhee Lee] From now on, a 'quarantine pass (vaccination certificate or negative test confirmation)' will be required to enter social welfare facilities. Contact visits will only be allowed for those who have completed vaccination, except in exceptional cases such as end-of-life or unconsciousness.

The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters announced on the 1st the 'Revised Guidelines for Social Welfare Facilities in line with the Step-by-Step Transition to Daily Recovery,' which includes these measures. The guidelines will be implemented immediately from that day.

Going forward, entry to social welfare facilities will be permitted primarily for those who have completed COVID-19 vaccination. Unvaccinated individuals are generally prohibited unless they present a negative result from a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. Unvaccinated users, volunteers, trainees, and external instructors must undergo regular PCR testing. The testing frequency will be determined based on the characteristics of each facility. Additionally, PCR testing will be mandatory for new residents entering living facilities.

For visits, contact visits will be allowed only for vaccinated individuals. Unvaccinated persons may be granted limited contact visits only if the resident is in an emergency situation such as end-of-life or unconsciousness, or if emotional stability is deemed necessary, provided they submit a negative PCR test result or wear protective equipment.

Residents’ outings and overnight stays will also be permitted only for those who have completed vaccination, with unvaccinated individuals generally prohibited. However, exceptions will be made for attending kindergartens, daycare centers, schools, or commuting for livelihood purposes. In such cases, a separate isolated living space must be prepared and operated for the resident.

Programs within the facilities will also require the quarantine pass. Communal meals within the facilities will be prohibited considering the risk, but individual consumption of beverages is allowed in environments with partitions or spaced seating.

The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters stated, "We will disseminate and guide the revised social welfare facility response guidelines through local governments and encourage vaccination among unvaccinated individuals such as staff, to ensure the safe operation of social welfare facilities through thorough management."

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