"Finally After 2 Years"... Excitement and Anticipation for the Lifting of Social Distancing

On the 17th, ahead of the full lifting of social distancing measures, citizens are moving around the Hongdae area in Mapo-gu, Seoul. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

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[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] The "social distancing" measures that have been in place for over two years since the outbreak of COVID-19 will be fully lifted on the 18th. Although the mask-wearing mandate remains in effect, the removal of restrictions on private gathering sizes and business operating hours has raised expectations for a return to normal life.

On the 16th and 17th, just before the lifting of social distancing, popular spots across the country were crowded with visitors enjoying the sunny spring weather. A man in his 20s, Mr. Lee, who visited the Han River with friends for the first time in a while this weekend, said, "I realized today that I had been unknowingly stressed and fatigued from worrying about COVID-19 and following quarantine rules for over two years. It feels like a breath of fresh air, like being freed from confinement." He added, "Although it’s not completely over yet, I feel hopeful that we can truly return to the pre-COVID daily life."

Self-employed individuals, who were hit hard by COVID-19, are also expressing optimism. Mr. Kim, in his 50s, who runs a restaurant in Incheon, said, "Last year, I had to give up evening business and close my store after 8 p.m. due to operating hour restrictions. These days, I operate until 11 p.m., and if customers increase, I’m considering keeping the store open until midnight."

On the community platform for small business owners and the self-employed, "Apeunikka Sajangida" (Because It Hurts, I’m the Boss), many posts have been shared with messages of support and encouragement such as "Everyone has worked hard for over two years," and "I hope everyone hits the jackpot from now on," reflecting the struggles caused by operating hour restrictions.

The streets of Myeongdong, Seoul, are bustling with citizens. / Asia Economy

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The quarantine authorities have decided to lift social distancing, a key measure against COVID-19, starting from the 18th. It has been 757 days, about 2 years and 1 month, since the first administrative order recommending 'operation restrictions' for religious facilities and some businesses was issued on March 22, 2020.

Accordingly, restrictions on the number of people in private gatherings and business operating hours at multi-use facilities will be removed. Events and assemblies can be held without limits on the number of participants, and eating and drinking will be allowed in movie theaters and performance venues. The mask-wearing mandate will remain in place. The authorities plan to observe the epidemic situation for about two weeks before deciding whether to lift the outdoor mask-wearing requirement.

Although the risk level of the infectious disease has decreased, the government emphasized that it is not yet time to lower vigilance against COVID-19. On the 15th, at a press conference announcing the "Post-Omicron" plan, Jung Eun-kyeong, Director of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, said, "This system transition is not simply a change in the infectious disease classification or easing of quarantine measures, but a new beginning to safely resume daily life with COVID-19 and establish a routine medical system. It is a very difficult challenge."

She added, "Masks are considered the most effective response measure, so indoor mask-wearing will need to be maintained for a considerable period, and for outdoor masks, we will observe the epidemic situation for about two weeks and then assess the risk at that time."

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