[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jeong] On the 1st, the government reorganized social distancing from the existing 3 levels to 5 levels and decided to apply it from the 7th of this month, thereby further subdividing the step-by-step living quarantine rules at workplaces, schools, and religious facilities.
In principle, wearing masks is recommended at all times in indoor facilities and crowded outdoor areas, but the scope of mandatory mask-wearing and fines will be expanded differentially according to the level.
Fines for mask-wearing violations to be imposed from November 13
First, at Level 1, mask-wearing is mandatory mainly in key and general management facilities and high-risk activities, and at Level 1.5, outdoor sports stadiums are added to this. At Level 2, mask-wearing is mandatory for all indoor areas and high-risk outdoor activities such as assemblies, demonstrations, and sports game viewing.
From Level 2.5, which is the nationwide epidemic stage, mask-wearing is mandatory indoors and outdoors where a distance of 2 meters or more between people cannot be maintained, and fines will be imposed for violations. The imposition of fines for mask-wearing violations will be enforced from November 13.
Regarding gatherings and events, the number of participants will be restricted step-by-step to prevent many people from gathering temporarily. However, essential business activities of companies and public duties are exempt from the personnel restriction regulations.
At Level 1, gatherings and events are allowed, but gatherings of 500 or more people must comply with core quarantine rules such as mask-wearing and must establish their own quarantine management plan and report and consult with the relevant local government.
At Level 1.5, the same measures as Level 1 apply to gatherings and events of 500 or more people, but four types of events involving high-risk activities such as chanting, singing, long explanations or conversations?assemblies, demonstrations, large concerts, festivals, and academic events?are limited to fewer than 100 people, and exhibitions, fairs, and international conferences are limited to one person per 4 square meters of facility area.
At Level 2, gatherings and events of 100 or more people are prohibited, but exhibitions, fairs, and international conferences are considered essential industry and economic sectors, so the number of participants is limited to one person per 4 square meters of facility area without applying the 100-person limit. At Level 2.5, gatherings of 50 or more people are prohibited, and at Level 3, gatherings of 10 or more people are prohibited.
Regarding workplace attendance, high-risk workplaces with many enclosed, dense contacts and where working from home is difficult (such as call centers, distribution logistics centers, etc.) will be separately designated and strictly managed by mandating quarantine rules.
Other institutions and companies will expand the utilization rate of working from home according to the level to minimize density, and at Level 3, working from home will be mandatory except for essential personnel. However, institutions (personnel) performing duties related to public safety, national defense, diplomacy, firefighting, postal services, quarantine, broadcasting, industrial safety, COVID-19 support, or handling personal information and other security-sensitive information are excluded.
Each ministry and local government can establish and operate quarantine guidelines tailored to the characteristics of their affiliated public institutions and workplaces.
Regarding sports game viewing, during regional epidemic stages, the capacity of each stadium will be reduced to lower density. At Level 1, 50% of spectators are allowed; at Level 1.5, 30% are allowed; at Level 2, 10% are allowed. At Level 2.5, games will be held without spectators, and at Level 3, games will be suspended.
When using transportation facilities, mask-wearing is mandatory from Level 1, and from Level 2, eating inside transportation vehicles (except international flights) is prohibited. During the nationwide epidemic stage, only up to 50% of seats on transportation means such as KTX and express buses (excluding airplanes) can be booked. At Level 2.5, booking restrictions are recommended, and at Level 3, booking is restricted.
Regarding school attendance, density will be adjusted up to Level 2.5, and from Level 3, remote classes will be the principle.
In the Level 1 living quarantine system, a density of two-thirds is the principle, but adjustments are possible depending on local and school conditions, and overcrowded schools are recommended to maintain two-thirds density.
At Level 1.5, the density of two-thirds must be observed in the relevant area. At Level 2, the principle is one-third density in the relevant area (two-thirds for high schools), but flexible academic operations allow operation within a maximum of two-thirds. However, if the city or provincial education office adjusts the density, prior consultation with local quarantine authorities and the Ministry of Education is required.
At Level 2.5, one-third density must be observed, and at Level 3, classes will switch to remote learning.
Regarding religious activities, at Level 1, one seat must be left empty between attendees, gatherings and meals are discouraged, and overnight events are prohibited.
From Level 1.5, gatherings and meals hosted by religious facilities are prohibited in the relevant area, and regular worship services, masses, Buddhist ceremonies, and memorial services are limited to 30% of seating capacity.
At Level 2, the number of participants is reduced to 20% of seating capacity. At Level 2.5, non-face-to-face participation is the principle, with up to 20 participants allowed, and at Level 3, only one-person video participation is permitted.
For national and public facilities, previously, all indoor national and public facilities ceased operation from the post-living quarantine stage, but going forward, quarantine measures will be strengthened differentially according to the characteristics of each facility when levels are raised.
For bicycle racing and horse racing, entry is limited to within 50% at Level 1, within 20% at Level 1.5, and operations are suspended from Level 2.
For national and public sports facilities such as tennis courts, baseball and soccer stadiums, usage is limited to within 50% at Level 1.5, within 30% at Level 2, and operations are suspended from the nationwide epidemic stage.
For national and public cultural and leisure facilities such as museums, libraries, and art galleries, usage is limited to within 50% at Level 1.5, within 30% at Levels 2 to 2.5, and operations are suspended from Level 3.
Outdoor facilities such as national parks and recreational forests will strictly manage quarantine measures such as mask-wearing until Level 2.5 and will be closed at Level 3.
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