Restriction on Restaurant and Cafe Operating Hours... Effectively Raising to Level 2.5

Local Governments Likely to Restrict Business Hours to 9-10 PM

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun is speaking at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters meeting for COVID-19 response held on the 28th at the video conference room of the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] The government has decided to extend the Level 2 social distancing measures for one more week while adding stronger quarantine measures that restrict the business methods and operating hours of medium-risk facilities such as restaurants and cafes. This effectively raises the level to 2.5, which is close to Level 3.

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun stated at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCHQ) meeting on COVID-19 held at the Government Seoul Office on the 28th, "The government plans to extend Level 2 social distancing for one more week but intends to add stronger quarantine measures," adding, "We will discuss ways to restrict the business methods and operating hours of establishments we use most in daily life, such as restaurants and cafes." He also urged, "Although this will cause many inconveniences, we ask the public for active cooperation."

In short, while maintaining Level 2, the operating hours of restaurants and cafes will be limited to before 9 PM, in line with Level 3 social distancing guidelines.

However, it is expected that flexible application measures will be prepared depending on local governments.

Additionally, under Level 2, face-to-face gatherings and events of more than 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors are generally prohibited, and it is known that plans to strengthen these restrictions are also being discussed.

A government official said, "Numerous discussions are underway. Raising to Level 3 would cause significant economic shock, so we are taking strong quarantine measures beyond Level 2.5," adding, "The practice of social distancing until next week will determine the future outlook."

The government also stated its position to apply a zero-tolerance principle to religious organizations and take strict measures. If administrative orders are violated, they will be prosecuted without any leniency, and claims for compensation for treatment and quarantine costs arising from confirmed cases will also be pursued.

Prime Minister Chung said, "Despite mandatory non-face-to-face worship services in the metropolitan area including Busan and Chungnam, nearly 2,000 churches forced face-to-face worship services last weekend," urging, "For the safety of congregants and neighbors, we once again request churches to cooperate with quarantine guidelines voluntarily."

He continued, "Local governments concerned should thoroughly check whether non-face-to-face worship services are held this Sunday and strictly take action against violations of administrative orders."