Lifting Strong Recommendation to Suspend Operations of Religious Facilities
Outdoor Sports Allowed with No Spectators and Reduced Risks
Sequential Implementation of School Attendance and Opening Based on Situation Review
[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] The government has decided to extend the high-intensity 'social distancing' period for about two more weeks. This measure takes into account the consecutive holidays from April 30, Buddha’s Birthday, to May 1, Labor Day, and May 5, Children’s Day. However, the level will be eased by one step from 'high-intensity.' This approach maintains the foundation of the quarantine system while relaxing some restrictions.
Specifically, the suspension of operations at religious facilities will be lifted. Additionally, outdoor public facilities with low risk, such as natural recreation forests, will resume operations as preparations are completed, and outdoor sports will be allowed if the risk is reduced, such as holding games without spectators. The return to school and the start of the semester for students will be promoted sequentially while monitoring the overall situation.
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun presided over the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) meeting on COVID-19 at the Government Seoul Office on the 19th and stated, "From tomorrow until May 5, we will maintain the foundation of the current social distancing while easing some restrictions."
Prime Minister Chung said, "The intended results have been achieved to some extent, and the number of new confirmed cases has decreased to a single digit of 8. This is thanks to the citizens who have adhered to the quarantine guidelines with a strong sense of solidarity and participation," but added, "Of course, this is by no means a stage to be complacent. Considering these points, it is safest to continue high-intensity social distancing from a quarantine perspective."
He continued, "Everyone is tired, and realistically, this is not an easy task. What we must endure is not only the frustration of daily life but also the sacrifice of socio-economic activities," and said, "We have listened to many opinions and considered ways to adjust the intensity step by step."
He added, "Adjusting the intensity of social distancing cannot guarantee success. There are overseas cases where easing was done prematurely and then reversed," but said, "Still, this is a path we must take, and this decision is based on trusting the high civic consciousness that the people have shown so far."
Regarding specific guideline changes, Prime Minister Chung mentioned, "For the four major densely populated facilities, including religious facilities, the current quarantine compliance orders will be maintained, but the strong recommendation to suspend operations will be lifted."
He also stated, "Outdoor public facilities with low risk, such as natural recreation forests, will resume operations as preparations are completed, and outdoor sports will be possible if the risk can be lowered, such as holding games without spectators," and added, "Essential qualification exams and recruitment tests will be conducted on a limited basis under strict compliance with quarantine rules."
Regarding students’ return to school and the start of the semester, he said, "For school attendance and semester start, we will review plans to proceed sequentially while monitoring the overall situation," and requested, "The Ministry of Education should discuss specific plans for returning to school with the education sector, local communities, and parents."
Finally, Prime Minister Chung emphasized, "The government will support this with a strengthened quarantine system," and said, "We will enhance surveillance of blind spots, conduct precise monitoring of densely populated facilities, and detect risks early through sample testing. If a major risk is found, we will raise the intensity of social distancing again at any time."
This government decision is expected to ease restrictions on various activities for study, employment, and sports games.
In fact, the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) is reportedly set to discuss the agenda of 'early May opening' on the 21st. Conditions for opening are expected to include games without spectators and bans on high-fives and handshakes between players.
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