Government Urges Active Participation in Social Distancing During Chuseok Holiday

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] The government has urged active participation in social distancing during the 'Chuseok Special Quarantine Period' lasting two weeks from the 28th.

Kang Dotae, the 1st General Coordinator of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) and Vice Minister of Health and Welfare, stated at the CDSCH meeting held at the Government Seoul Office on the 26th, "We have announced strengthened distancing measures for the Chuseok Special Quarantine Period to block the risk of autumn outbreaks," adding, "We ask for the active participation and cooperation of the public during this period to prevent nationwide infection spread."

He explained, "Cluster infections continue close to daily life in nursing facilities, hospitals, and daycare centers, and the proportion of cases with unknown infection routes is in the 20% range, raising concerns about the possibility of a significant number of hidden infections."

The government decided to maintain the core measure of distancing level 2, which prohibits events and gatherings of more than 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors during this Chuseok Special Quarantine Period. However, quarantine measures differ between the metropolitan area and non-metropolitan areas considering the risk levels.

In the metropolitan area, quarantine rules for restaurants, coffee shops, amusement parks, and other multi-use facilities will be strengthened in preparation for situations where people staying at home gather for dining out or leisure activities.

Regarding the possibility of many visitors and travelers crowding multi-use facilities in non-metropolitan areas during this Chuseok holiday, Kang, the 1st General Coordinator, requested, "Please refrain from using five high-risk facilities where gatherings are prohibited: entertainment bars, colatecs, danran bars, emotional bars, hunting pochas, and door-to-door sales facilities."

Additionally, he emphasized the need to participate in religious activities in a non-face-to-face manner over the weekend and to comply with quarantine rules such as wearing masks and maintaining social distancing when visiting department stores or traditional markets to prepare for Chuseok.