Gwangju City Extends Social Distancing Level 1.5 for Two Weeks Until the 14th of Next Month

Kim Jong-hyo, Deputy Mayor of Gwangju Metropolitan City, held an online briefing on COVID-19 at the city hall briefing room on the afternoon of the 26th and announced the extension plan for social distancing level 1.5. Photo by Gwangju Metropolitan City

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Seon-gang] Gwangju Metropolitan City has decided to extend the social distancing level 1.5, which is set to end on the 28th, for two more weeks.

Kim Jong-hyo, Deputy Mayor of Gwangju, stated during an online briefing on COVID-19 at 1:40 PM on the 26th, “Considering the continuous occurrence of confirmed cases such as the cluster infection related to the insurance company call center, in accordance with the government's decision, social distancing level 1.5 will be extended for two weeks and maintained until March 14.”

Accordingly, restrictions such as the ban on private gatherings of five or more people and operating restrictions on entertainment facilities after 10 PM will remain in place.

The city plans to continuously strengthen quarantine management of high-risk vulnerable facilities for autonomous and responsible quarantine.

Additionally, the city will thoroughly inspect compliance with quarantine guidelines at workplaces, nursing facilities, medical institutions, and religious facilities, and will enforce stricter inspections of quarantine rule violations.

In particular, the city is promoting measures to apply a zero-tolerance policy when violations of quarantine rules are detected, including issuing a two-week closure order for businesses violating core quarantine rules and excluding business owners and individuals who violate quarantine rules from disaster relief funds, living support funds, and compensation payments.

They also explained the active exercise of subrogation rights.

Deputy Mayor Kim Jong-hyo said, “The government has decided to support the establishment of unified claim standards for the active exercise of subrogation rights through the COVID-19 Subrogation Council. Our city has formed and operated a COVID-19 Legal Response T/F team led by the Legal Affairs Officer since early February to swiftly and strictly punish violations when detected. Measures such as filing complaints are also being considered for the insurance company call center where cluster infections occurred.”

Deputy Mayor Kim added, “A three-day holiday begins on the 27th. This period, along with seasonal changes, the start of the new school term, and vaccinations, is a time when vigilance can easily relax. Until herd immunity is achieved, it is essential for citizens to comply with quarantine rules. Our city will do its best based on the cooperation of the citizens.”