From the Weekend, Nationwide Gatherings Limited to 'Up to 4 People'... Restaurants and Cafes Restricted to 9 PM Operating Hours (Update)

COVID-19 Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters Meeting

Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum is presiding over the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters meeting for COVID-19 response at the Government Seoul Office Building on the morning of the 16th. 2021.12.16 [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Son Seon-hee] The government has decided to limit the number of people allowed in private gatherings to four starting this weekend. This applies not only to the metropolitan area but also nationwide. Restaurants and cafes will be allowed to operate only until 9 p.m., implementing ultra-strong social distancing measures.

On the 16th, Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum chaired an emergency meeting of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters for COVID-19 at the Government Seoul Office and announced these social distancing measures. The meeting, originally scheduled for the 17th, was moved up by a day due to the severity of the situation.

Prime Minister Kim said, "We judged that we must suppress the spread as soon as possible through strong social distancing to overcome this critical moment," and explained the reason for strengthening distancing measures: "Above all, it is important to reduce face-to-face contact and minimize the time masks are removed whenever possible."

For restaurants and cafes, only up to '4 people' who have completed vaccination can use the facilities. Unvaccinated individuals are allowed to use the facilities alone or only for takeout and delivery.

Other multi-use facilities will have different operating hour restrictions depending on mask-wearing and whether eating is allowed. Higher-risk facilities such as entertainment venues and restaurants/cafes will be restricted until '9 p.m.', while movie theaters, performance halls, and PC rooms will be limited until '10 p.m.'. However, exceptions will be made for youth exam academies and similar institutions.

This adjustment to social distancing will be applied for 16 days from 0:00 on the 18th until January 2 of next year, the end of the special quarantine period. The government plans to reassess the quarantine situation within the year to decide whether to extend the measures.

Prime Minister Kim apologized, saying, "I am sorry to the small business owners and self-employed who will have to endure pain once again," and added, "The government intends to provide more substantial support under the name of 'quarantine support funds' to address the direct damage caused by operating hour restrictions and the practical difficulties arising from the expansion of the vaccine pass system." Although related damages will be compensated later under the Loss Compensation Act, the government aims to provide immediate relief through cash support to help with current difficulties.

The strengthening of social distancing comes 45 days after the government began phased daily recovery. Prime Minister Kim said, "This temporary pause is not a 'U-turn' or 'retreat' on the path to daily recovery but a necessary speed adjustment according to changing circumstances," and added, "During this 'pause,' the government will solidly reinforce medical response capabilities."

He also urged, "Citizens should respond with active vaccination," emphasizing, "The third dose for seniors aged 60 and over is an urgent task." Furthermore, he appealed, "Please refrain from year-end and New Year gatherings and events, and reduce unnecessary outings and meetings."

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