Authorities: "Lifting the Quarantine Pass Possible If Infections Among Unvaccinated Decrease"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Chunhee Lee] The quarantine authorities have announced plans to reduce the facilities subject to the vaccination certificate and negative test confirmation system (quarantine pass) next year depending on the epidemic situation, with the prerequisite condition being a decrease in infections among the unvaccinated.

On the morning of the 30th, Son Young-rae, head of the Social Strategy Division of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, stated at a joint briefing on COVID-19 related ministries' work plans, "Since the quarantine pass was significantly strengthened, the proportion of infections among the unvaccinated has gradually decreased," adding, "If infections among the unvaccinated drop significantly, we will gradually lift the quarantine pass starting with facilities that have a low risk of infection."

According to the authorities, unvaccinated individuals account for only 7% of the adult population but represent 52% of severe cases and deaths. The severity and mortality rates among the unvaccinated are 4 to 5 times higher compared to those who have completed vaccination.

Regarding the purpose of the quarantine pass, Son said, "The goal is to minimize infections among the unvaccinated themselves to protect them from the risk of severe illness and death, and to minimize the use of high-level medical care systems due to severe cases caused by the unvaccinated, thereby preserving medical capacity for COVID-19 treatment. To lift the quarantine pass, the infection levels and occurrences of severe illness and death among the unvaccinated must significantly decrease to be considered."

Currently, the quarantine pass is mandatory at a total of 16 types of facilities, including ▲entertainment venues (bars, karaoke bars, clubs, nightclubs, hunting pubs, emotional pubs, colatecs, dance halls) ▲karaoke rooms ▲indoor sports facilities ▲bathhouses ▲bicycle racing, motorboat racing, horse racing, casinos ▲restaurants and cafes ▲academies ▲movie theaters and performance halls ▲reading rooms and study cafes ▲multi-rooms (excluding arcades) ▲PC rooms ▲indoor sports stadiums (spectator) ▲museums, art galleries, science centers ▲party rooms ▲libraries ▲massage and bodywork establishments.

To use facilities subject to the quarantine pass, a vaccination certificate showing at least 14 days have passed since the completion of vaccination must be submitted. Additionally, unvaccinated individuals who have a negative PCR test, children and adolescents under 18, those recovered from COVID-19, and those unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons can enter facilities if they have the relevant documentation according to each facility’s criteria. For restaurants and cafes, unvaccinated individuals may use the facility alone without related documents.

Starting from the 3rd of next month, the quarantine pass will have an expiration period. It will be valid for 180 days after the second dose, and the validity will be renewed upon receiving the third dose. Those who completed their second dose in the first half of this year but have not yet received the third dose will not be able to use facilities requiring the quarantine pass without a negative PCR test. There is no separately set validity period for the quarantine pass renewed by the third dose.

Regarding the introduction of the youth quarantine pass scheduled for February 1 next year, the government is conducting consultations centered on the Ministry of Education with related ministries, academies, and parent organizations. Son explained, "Everyone agrees with the basic principle of applying the quarantine pass to youths because academies are vulnerable to group infections and are high-risk facilities," but added, "There are various opinions on the timing of application and grace periods considering the academic calendar, so discussions are ongoing."

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