Due to the resurgence of COVID-19... Government hurriedly suspends issuance of dining out and rural travel coupons

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyun-jung] As the number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) exceeded 100 for two consecutive days and spread, the government urgently suspended the issuance of dining out and rural travel coupons that were being promoted to stimulate consumption.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced on the 15th that it would temporarily suspend the 'Dining Out Activation Campaign' and 'Rural Travel Discount Support' as of 00:00 on the 16th of this month, following the elevation of social distancing to level 2 in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do areas.

Although the social distancing level 2 areas are Seoul and Gyeonggi, this measure was taken considering the prevention of nationwide infection spread and fairness issues among campaign participating regions, with plans to resume once the quarantine situation improves.

The dining out coupons will be temporarily suspended from 00:00 on the 16th, but all dining usage records up to that point will be fully recognized without omission when the campaign resumes later. However, since the holiday period lasts until the 17th and system adjustments by each card company may take time, some errors may occur in tasks such as dining usage notification and inquiry, and understanding is requested.

Rural travel coupons will also be temporarily suspended for new issuance from 00:00 on the 16th. Discount coupons issued so far will be used under thorough quarantine management until the end of August.

Discount coupons for agricultural and livestock products will be issued as originally planned. These coupons are available both online and offline and provide discounts when purchasing agricultural products, which are essential in daily life. The plan is to proceed without disruption to help farmers struggling due to reduced sales channels caused by COVID-19 and to ease consumers' shopping burdens caused by heavy rains.

An official from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said, "We have inevitably suspended dining out and rural travel discount support to prevent the spread of COVID-19," adding, "We will do our best to promptly resume the project and revitalize the economy once the quarantine situation improves."