Gyeongnam Region Raised to Social Distancing Level 1.5 ... 78 Confirmed Cases in Three Days

Spokesperson Kim Myung-seop is giving a briefing.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Ju Cheolin] As confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) rapidly increase in Gyeongnam Province, the social distancing level within the province has been raised to Level 1.5.

On the 26th, Gyeongnam Province announced that it would implement Level 1.5 social distancing measures across all areas of the province starting at noon that day.

From the 19th, an average of 14.4 confirmed cases per day occurred over one week in Gyeongnam. This measure takes into account that 42% of these cases are people aged 60 and over.

On the 25th, the province recorded its highest daily number of confirmed cases since the COVID-19 outbreak, with 45 cases. Among them, 32 were aged 60 or older, accounting for 71%.

The province decided to raise the social distancing level even in cities and counties without local infection cases to curb the spread before the College Scholastic Ability Test and to prevent a possible large-scale winter outbreak at an early stage.

At Level 1.5, five types of entertainment facilities including clubs and hunting bars, direct sales promotion centers, karaoke rooms, restaurants, and cafes are designated as key management facilities for strict control.

Gatherings such as assemblies, festivals, concerts, and academic events with 100 or more people are prohibited. Religious facilities are limited to 30% of seating capacity, and small group meetings and meals are not allowed. The social distancing levels in Jinju City and Hadong County, where Level 2 was previously applied, will be maintained.

Jinju City, which saw a rapid increase in confirmed cases related to community leaders, has been under Level 2 restrictions since midnight on the 26th, and Hadong County, which had many confirmed cases related to local middle schools, has been under Level 2 since the 21st.

Under Level 2, entertainment facilities are closed, karaoke rooms and restaurants must cease operations after 9 p.m., all gatherings and events of 100 or more people are banned, and religious facilities are limited to 20% of seating capacity.