Government Begins Discussions on Revising Social Distancing After Lunar New Year... "Addressing Issues from the Third Wave"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy reporters Seo So-jeong and Lee Chun-hee] The government will begin discussions on revising 'social distancing' measures once the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) stabilizes after the Lunar New Year holiday.

The current distancing system is designed mainly around multi-use facilities, but the plan is to shift the focus from 'facilities' to 'activities' and actively address issues raised during the 'third wave' to reorganize the distancing measures.

Son Young-rae, head of the Social Strategy Division at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, said at a press briefing on the 26th, "There is a need to revise the distancing system several times," adding, "It is expected that the system will be revised once or twice more in conjunction with COVID-19 vaccinations, not just a single revision."

Son stated, "Currently, efforts are focused on minimizing the third wave, and once stability is achieved after the Lunar New Year holiday, we plan to revise the current distancing system," adding, "The core will be to reorganize the system by reflecting various lessons learned from experiencing the third wave."

He mentioned that the existing distancing system was designed around multi-use facilities, but as experts have pointed out, when community transmission spreads, it is necessary to consider that prohibiting private gatherings or regulating activities may be more effective.

Son said, "Based on past outbreaks, we will reconsider the current five-level distancing system by reviewing how to revise measures for high-risk multi-use facilities and considering the enhanced quarantine and medical capabilities."

The future COVID-19 vaccination situation will also be reflected in the distancing system.

Son said, "As vaccinations expand, we expect the fatality rate among high-risk groups to decrease and transmission to be reduced," adding, "Since the distancing system causes social costs, it is necessary to adjust distancing measures according to vaccination effects and the strength of immunity in different population groups."

He added, "Through the revision of distancing, we will adjust the overall harmony by considering the setting of stages, criteria, and quarantine rules for each stage."