'Youth Quarantine Pass' Delayed by One Month, to be Implemented Starting March

Operation of guidance period throughout March without fines
Discussion on ending youth quarantine pass if stabilized
Guidelines revised to verify vaccination proof monthly

On the 23rd, information about the application of the quarantine pass for exhibition viewing as a special COVID-19 quarantine measure was provided at COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] The government has decided to implement the Youth Quarantine Pass (vaccination certificate and negative test confirmation system) starting from March next year. The original schedule, which was to begin in February, has been postponed by one month.

On the 31st, the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters announced quarantine measures and adjusted the implementation schedule of the Youth Quarantine Pass system to March, operating it as a guidance period without fines for one month.

From March 1 next year, the Youth Quarantine Pass system will apply to those aged 12 to 18 (born on or before December 31, 2009). The pass will also be required when using academies, reading rooms, and study cafes.

The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters stated, "We will actively discuss the termination of the Youth Quarantine Pass system once the infectious disease situation stabilizes, while monitoring the quarantine situation."

The government, led by the Ministry of Education, held meetings with students, parents, and experts, and formed an official consultative body with related ministries and academy organizations to listen to field opinions and prepare improvement measures. Due to many concerns about the lack of time for vaccination schedules regarding the February implementation, the start date was postponed and a grace period was introduced.

The vaccination verification process at academies will also be simplified. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency plans to revise guidelines in January next year to allow academies that manage weekly or monthly users to verify vaccination certificates on a monthly basis for the convenience of students.

Youth aged 12 to 17 have no expiration date on the proof of the second vaccination dose, so a single vaccination certificate is sufficient. Youth without mobile phones can use paper vaccination certificates or vaccination stickers distributed at community centers.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Yoo Eun-hye said, "We sincerely thank everyone who cooperated with the Youth Quarantine Pass system, and we will actively consider terminating the system at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters once the quarantine situation stabilizes. Regarding public concerns about vaccine side effects in youth, we are providing more information and discussing more detailed support measures with related ministries."

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