[Q&A] How Small Business Loss Compensation Works... Youth Quarantine Pass Timing to Be Announced Within the Year

The spread of COVID-19 and the strengthening of quarantine measures are deepening the worries of self-employed workers. On the 16th, a restaurant in Jung-gu, Seoul, was quiet. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jeong] As the number of new COVID-19 cases approached 8,000 on the 16th and the number of critically ill patients reached a record high of 989, the government has stepped up social distancing measures. With the healthcare response system reaching its limit due to a shortage of hospital beds, the government aims to buy time to suppress the spread through two weeks of distancing. Accordingly, from the 18th, the allowed number of private gatherings nationwide will be reduced from the current 6-8 people to 4 people. Restaurants, cafes, and gyms, which previously had no operating hour restrictions, will be allowed to operate until 9 p.m., while movie theaters and PC rooms will be allowed to operate until 10 p.m. Below is a summary of the questions raised during this morning’s regular briefing by the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters regarding COVID-19.

Q. With the reinstatement of business restrictions on multi-use facilities, small business owners and self-employed individuals are strongly opposing. What compensation measures are in place for them?

A. Support measures for small business owners include ▲strengthening loss compensation ▲providing quarantine support funds. Currently, loss compensation is provided only to businesses subject to closure or operating hour restrictions. The government has decided to include businesses that face additional facility and capacity restrictions in the support as well. Preparations are underway to include these in the compensation when loss compensation payments are made next quarter through amendments to the enforcement decree. Also, efforts are being made to increase the minimum amount of loss compensation from the current 100,000 KRW per quarter to 500,000 KRW. For businesses not eligible for loss compensation, quarantine support funds (cash support) are being prepared.

Q. The social distancing adjustment will take effect immediately from midnight on the 18th, this weekend.

A. The number of new COVID-19 cases has consistently remained in the 7,000 range. Therefore, it is necessary to implement measures as quickly and strictly as possible. While previous social distancing adjustments were mainly announced on Fridays, an emergency Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting was held today, Thursday, and the implementation time was moved up to start from midnight Friday.

Q. Despite cluster infections occurring in religious facilities, why are they exempt from the vaccination certificate and negative test confirmation system (quarantine pass)?

A. Strengthening quarantine measures for religious facilities is also being considered. Until now, religious facilities could admit 50% capacity including unvaccinated individuals, and 100% capacity if all attendees were vaccinated or had a negative PCR test. On the 10th, a plan was reached through discussions with religious groups. However, additional issues arose during discussions yesterday. Further consultations will be held before announcing measures. I understand that the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will begin consultations with religious groups today.

On the 16th, commuters hurriedly walked at Seoul City Hall Station during the morning rush. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

Q. There is strong controversy over the youth quarantine pass. How will the timing and scope of its application be adjusted?

A. Detailed matters regarding the timing and scope of the youth quarantine pass are being discussed with the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health and Welfare, and Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency based on feedback from the field. Once decided, we will inform the public within this year.

Q. Are stores, marts, and department stores excluded from the quarantine pass among multi-use facilities?

A. Stores, marts, and department stores generally close around 10 p.m., so they have been excluded from the quarantine pass requirements.

Q. When using facilities subject to the quarantine pass, is showing a PCR negative confirmation issued by a public health center the only method?

A. Currently, presenting the text message notification of the test result received from the public health center allows facility use. However, this text message presentation is temporarily allowed only until the end of this year. From January next year, PCR negative test results can be issued online, and the system is being improved so that users can print and use these results.

Q. Unvaccinated individuals can now visit restaurants and cafes alone. What about those who have not completed their second dose 14 days ago?

A. If 14 days have not passed since vaccination, the individual is considered partially vaccinated with only the first dose. However, if they obtain a negative PCR test confirmation, they can use the facilities within 48 hours.

Q. Private gatherings are limited to 4 people nationwide. What about formal meetings such as sanggyeonrye (formal introductions between families)?

A. Formal meetings such as sanggyeonrye are not exempt from this rule. From midnight on the 18th until the end of the special quarantine period on January 2 of next year, we ask for your understanding despite the inconvenience during these 16 days.

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