[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Due to the third wave of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), the government has decided to raise the social distancing level higher than before.
In the metropolitan area, the level 2 stage will be maintained, but operations of facilities such as saunas, indoor sports facilities, academies, and private institutes will be partially suspended. In non-metropolitan areas, the level will be uniformly raised to 1.5, but in places with severe situations such as Busan, Gangwon Yeongseo, Gyeongnam, Chungnam, and Jeonbuk, an active promotion to raise to level 2 will be implemented.
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun stated at a press briefing held after presiding over the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) meeting on the 29th, "The third wave of COVID-19 is rising."
Prime Minister Chung said, "The entire nation must enter a COVID-19 quarantine posture," emphasizing, "The main agents of quarantine are the people."
Explaining the results of the CDSCH meeting, Prime Minister Chung said, "Saunas and steam rooms, which have a high risk of cluster infections, will be prohibited from operating," and added, "Indoor sports facilities where intense exercises such as Zumba, spinning, and aerobics are performed together will be additionally banned from gathering."
He continued, "Lessons at academies and private institutes where droplet generation is highly likely, such as wind instruments and singing, will also be prohibited," but added, "However, university entrance exam preparatory students are excluded from the ban on the condition of thorough quarantine."
This measure comes as small-scale cluster infections have recently occurred in indoor sports facilities, exercise facilities, dance instruction facilities, bathhouses, and saunas.
Additionally, complex convenience facilities such as gyms, saunas, cafes, and reading rooms operated within apartment complexes will also be suspended.
Prime Minister Chung said, "Year-end and New Year events and parties hosted at lodging facilities such as hotels, party rooms, and guesthouses will be completely banned," and added, "Businesses including hotels will follow this decision well according to the CDSCH's recommendations."
The government will also raise all regions to level 1.5 from 0:00 on the 1st of next month until 12:00 noon on the 14th. Depending on the regional situation, local governments will actively implement raising to level 2 and strengthen quarantine measures by industry and facility.
Prime Minister Chung emphasized, "From now on, regardless of whether the social distancing level is raised, all citizens must enter a COVID-19 crisis defense posture," and added, "We must open K-quarantine Season 2, transitioning to quarantine with the people."
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