Authorities "Decision on Extension of Strengthened Social Distancing... Announcement Scheduled for the 31st"

On the 27th, as the morning temperature in Seoul dropped to minus 11 degrees Celsius, continuing the severe cold wave, citizens lined up to get tested at the COVID-19 screening center set up at Songpa-gu Public Health Center in Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] The government is scheduled to announce its plan to adjust 'social distancing' measures next month on the 31st.

On the morning of the 27th, Son Youngrae, head of the Social Strategy Division at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH), stated during a COVID-19 situation briefing, "As a principle, the decision on whether to extend the strengthened distancing measures will primarily be made and announced around Friday (the 31st)." He added, "We plan to review the situation through this week and gather opinions from relevant ministries, local governments, and experts before making a decision."

Previously, the quarantine authorities regulated private gatherings to a maximum of four people regardless of vaccination status in both the metropolitan area and non-metropolitan areas for 16 days from the 18th until January 2 of next year. Operating hours for multi-use facilities such as restaurants and cafes were limited to 9 p.m. depending on the risk level.

On this day, Son evaluated the COVID-19 spread trend, saying, "The epidemic pattern is clearly on a declining trend." According to the CDSCH, as of midnight on this day, there were 4,207 new confirmed COVID-19 cases. This is 1,212 fewer than the previous day's 5,419 cases and 1,109 fewer than the 5,316 cases reported a week earlier (on the 20th). Since the 22nd, the number of new confirmed cases has been 7,455 → 6,917 → 6,233 → 5,842 → 5,419 → 4,207. The authorities attribute this to the increase in third-dose vaccination rates and strengthened social distancing measures.

However, the number of critically ill patients and deaths has not decreased. On this day, the number of critically ill patients was recorded at 1,078. Although this is three fewer than the previous day's 1,081, the number has remained above 1,000 for seven consecutive days since the 21st (1,022 → 1,063 → 1,083 → 1,084 → 1,105 → 1,081 → 1,078). There were 55 deaths reported, bringing the cumulative death toll to 5,300. The cumulative fatality rate stands at 0.87%.

Son said, "With the expansion of hospital beds, the medical capacity itself is stabilizing," and added, "As of today, there are 107 patients waiting for hospitalization, which is a decrease of 510 compared to a week ago on the 20th. The hospitalization waiting list is expected to be resolved within this week."

Regarding the youth quarantine pass (vaccination certificate/negative test confirmation system) scheduled to be implemented from February next year, he said, "The Ministry of Education is collecting various opinions from the field. Discussions are ongoing among ministries between field opinions and the principles to be upheld based on quarantine and medical expertise."

Furthermore, regarding the controversy over discrimination related to the quarantine pass, he reiterated, "It is a measure to protect the unvaccinated." He explained, "The main purpose is not to prevent unvaccinated individuals from transmitting the virus to others, but rather to protect unvaccinated individuals from becoming infected. Although unvaccinated adults account for only 7%, they represent about 52% of COVID-19 deaths."

Regarding multi-use facilities refusing entry to unvaccinated individuals who submit a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test certificate within 48 hours, he added, "There is no legal basis for punishment under the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act, but we are looking into applicable parts of the law concerning general discrimination, such as 'No Kids Zones' and 'No Pets Allowed' policies."

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