Busan's Spread Shows Serious Signs... Strong Measures Equivalent to Level 2 to Be Implemented from the 27th

Busan City Implements 'One-Strike Out System' for Violations of 9 Key Rules at Priority Facilities
Pro Sports Spectator Capacity Limited to Within 10%, Density Adjusted to One-Third for School Attendance
Regular Worship, Mass, and Buddhist Services

On the third day of raising social distancing to Level 2 in the Seoul metropolitan area on the 26th, citizens are sitting apart from each other and eating at a food court in a large supermarket in downtown Seoul. [Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yong-woo] As COVID-19 community infections spread, Busan City implemented enhanced quarantine measures equivalent to 'Social Distancing Level 2' starting from midnight on the 27th.

Byun Seong-wan, Acting Mayor of Busan, stated in a briefing on the afternoon of the 26th, "We have been implementing quarantine measures equivalent to Level 1.5 since the 24th, but considering the current infection trends and speed, stronger measures are necessary."

Acting Mayor Byun announced, "Before the nationwide social distancing level is raised, we will independently implement measures equivalent to Social Distancing Level 2."

Until the nationwide Level 2 upgrade, nine types of key management facilities in Busan, including entertainment venues, singing practice rooms, restaurants, and cafes, are allowed to operate; however, the 'One Strike Out' policy will be applied if core quarantine rules such as mask-wearing or visitor log entries are violated.

For 14 types of general management facilities, strong recommendations are made to limit the number of people per area (one person per 8㎡) and to prohibit high-risk activities such as eating.

Use of national and public facilities will be limited to within 30% capacity, and the mandatory mask-wearing scope will be expanded to cover all indoor areas and high-risk outdoor activities.

Gatherings and events of 100 or more people are prohibited except for exams, official duties, and essential business activities. Exhibitions, fairs, and international conferences may be held with restrictions on the number of people per area.

Professional sports will limit spectators to within 10% capacity, and schools at all levels will conduct in-person classes with attendance adjusted to one-third density.

Regarding religious activities, regular worship services, masses, and Buddhist ceremonies will limit attendance to within 20% of seating capacity, and all other gatherings and meals are completely prohibited.