Government "Begins Discussions on Social Distancing Reforms... '9 PM Operation Restriction' Likely to Remain" (Update)

"Discussion on Reorganization Planned Considering Social Acceptability and Fatigue"

On the 21st, market merchants are undergoing COVID-19 diagnostic tests at a temporary walk-in screening clinic set up in Namdaemun Market, Jung-gu, Seoul. Jung-gu explained, "Since it is difficult for merchants to leave their shops during business hours due to sales and other operations, we collaborated with Seoul City to establish a testing site inside the market for merchants who cannot visit screening clinics." Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] Recently, the daily average number of new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in South Korea has dropped to the low 400s. However, the government has reaffirmed its position that it should be cautious about easing quarantine measures. Regarding social distancing measures, the government announced that it has begun discussions on restructuring, taking into account social acceptance and the effectiveness of quarantine.

Yoon Tae-ho, head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters' quarantine team, stated, "Although the recent downward trend in confirmed cases is a clear fact, it is still somewhat premature to say that the situation has stabilized due to various factors." He pointed out as a concern that it is currently winter, when the virus is most active, and that the number of confirmed cases remains at a level similar to the period when large-scale infections occurred during the second wave.

However, the government also mentioned the need for related restructuring, considering the declining social acceptance as quarantine measures have been prolonged, leading to increased opposition mainly from self-employed individuals and small business owners. They plan to announce specific measures after gathering opinions from stakeholders and experts.

Yoon said, "We believe it is necessary to approach easing various quarantine measures with relative caution. However, as the quarantine measures have been prolonged, issues such as decreased social acceptance and fatigue have also arisen, and we have been continuously striving to address these problems."

He added, "More time is needed to discuss what practical measures can maintain the effectiveness of quarantine while restructuring social distancing," and "discussions for this have now begun."

Regarding the ongoing issue of the 9 PM operating restriction on multi-use facilities, he also conveyed the position to maintain the current quarantine measures. He said, "This measure will continue until the 31st, and we will be able to inform you about any changes before then," but added, "Currently, it is understood that the 9 PM operating restriction will be maintained." The authorities explained that the operating restriction is necessary because personal contacts may increase through second and third rounds of gatherings after dinner, and there are difficulties in on-site inspections during late afternoon hours.