'4-person, 9 PM' Social Distancing Extended for 2 Weeks... Announcement on the 31st

The spread of COVID-19 and the strengthening of quarantine measures are deepening the worries of self-employed workers. On the 16th, an employee is wiping tables at a restaurant in Jung-gu, Seoul.
Photo by Mun Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Seungjin Lee] The current social distancing measures, which limit private gatherings to a maximum of 4 people and restrict restaurant and cafe operating hours to 9 PM, will be extended for two more weeks.

According to health authorities on the 30th, the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) decided on this policy during an afternoon quarantine strategy meeting.

This measure is expected to be announced at the CDSCH meeting on the morning of the 31st, chaired by Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum, to respond to COVID-19.

The government's decision to extend social distancing appears to be based on the recent slight easing of the COVID-19 spread and the assessment that the current social distancing measures, implemented for 16 days since the 18th, have been effective. Additionally, since measures such as securing intensive care unit beds have not yet been completed, the government believes strict quarantine management is necessary.

The announced measures will be applied for two weeks from the 3rd to the 16th of next month.

The government plans to devise additional support measures as small business owners and self-employed individuals have suffered greatly due to the strengthened quarantine measures taken during the year-end and New Year period. Unlike the previous quarantine support funds, this time support is expected to take a different form by utilizing next year’s budget.

The CDSCH meeting on the 31st will also discuss the timing and scope of applying the youth quarantine pass, which has been controversial.

Meanwhile, since the 6th, the government has implemented strengthened quarantine measures limiting private gatherings to 4 people in the metropolitan area and 6 people in non-metropolitan areas. From the 18th, a stronger social distancing policy was enforced nationwide, limiting private gatherings to 4 people and restricting operating hours of restaurants and other businesses to 9 PM.

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