[Breaking News] Prime Minister Jeong: "Ban on Church Gatherings and Events Outside Regular Worship"

Fines Imposed on Churches and Users for Violations... "Active Cooperation from Religious Community" Requested

Prime Minister Jeong Sye-kyun

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun stated on the 8th, "The government will mandate core quarantine rules for churches nationwide," adding, "While churches will not be designated as high-risk facilities overall, various gatherings and events outside of regular worship services, as well as meal provisions, will be prohibited, and management of entry logs will also be mandatory."

At the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) meeting held at the Government Seoul Office on the same day to respond to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), Prime Minister Chung said, "The number of domestic COVID-19 confirmed cases continues to fluctuate, showing an unstable situation. Analysis of infection cases reveals that about half originate from small gatherings and events at churches."

Prime Minister Chung emphasized, "If core quarantine rules are violated, fines may be imposed not only on church officials but also on users. Please understand that this unavoidable decision was made to protect the safety of the public from COVID-19. We ask for the active cooperation of the religious community."