Senior Centers Reopen from the 25th... Accessible to Those with 3rd COVID-19 Booster Shot

Verification of Vaccination History Using Electronic Vaccination Certificates and Stickers

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-won] Senior centers, which had suspended operations due to the Omicron variant outbreak, will reopen for those who have received the third COVID-19 vaccination.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced on the 18th, "Considering the decline in COVID-19 cases, we will normalize the operation of senior leisure and welfare facilities such as senior centers starting from the 25th."

As the Omicron variant spread, all senior centers nationwide completely suspended operations from February 14. Senior welfare centers also halted all in-person hobby-related activities and operated only limited non-face-to-face programs.

According to the authorities' plan to normalize operations, from the 25th, individuals who have completed the third vaccination will be able to use leisure and welfare facilities such as senior centers and senior welfare centers while adhering to quarantine rules. Detailed operational methods will be decided by each local government.

Facility workers and external instructors who have not completed the third vaccination are not allowed to have face-to-face contact with users and can only participate in online non-face-to-face programs. Facilities will verify vaccination history and manage entry using electronic vaccination certificates, proof of vaccination, stickers, etc.

Local governments may decide on programs that can be participated in sequentially, considering the quarantine situation, and may restrict participation in programs with a high risk of droplet transmission even for those who have received the third vaccination.

Meals at senior centers are only allowed if all participants have received the third vaccination. Quarantine rules such as installing partitions or sitting apart must also be followed. Drinking water or beverages individually is permitted.

A Ministry of Health and Welfare official said, "We thank the elderly for actively cooperating with the strengthened quarantine measures so far," and urged, "Please also participate in the fourth vaccination for the health of the elderly."

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