Authorities "Social distancing to be announced on the 12th next week... Reorganization possible with 'under 200 daily cases in the Seoul metropolitan area'" (Update)

"Social Distancing Adjustments Are Independent from the Upcoming Reform Plan"

On the 15th, when social distancing measures in the Seoul metropolitan area were eased to Level 2, office workers who finished their meals at a cafe in Seoul are purchasing drinks. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] The government will announce the social distancing levels to be applied from the 15th on the 12th.

Son Young-rae, head of the Social Strategy Division at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH), said at the COVID-19 back briefing on the 8th, "We usually aim to announce adjustments to social distancing around Friday, so the goal is to announce it around this Friday (the 12th)." Currently, according to the government's announcement on the 26th of last month, Level 2 measures are applied in the metropolitan area and Level 1.5 measures in non-metropolitan areas. Along with social distancing, the ban on private gatherings of five or more people outside immediate family members is also being maintained.

Ahead of the adjustment of social distancing levels, the "Living Quarantine Committee," which includes various experts, will also be held to gather opinions from different sectors. Son said, "Meetings of the Living Quarantine Committee, various ministries, and local governments are scheduled around Wednesday to Thursday (the 10th to 11th)."

Additionally, the government is discussing a social distancing reform plan that aims to reduce the current five levels to four levels. According to the reform plan, the ban on private gatherings will be subdivided into groups of 3 to 9 people depending on the level.

Yoon Tae-ho, head of the CDSCH's quarantine general division, said, "The adjustment of social distancing is being carried out independently from the reform plan currently being prepared," adding, "Until the reform is implemented, adjustments to social distancing will be made within the current system according to the increase or decrease in the number of patients."

Son added, "We believe that the reform of social distancing will be possible only when the metropolitan area shows a stabilization trend," and "Currently, the daily new confirmed cases in the metropolitan area are around 300, but if this number falls below 200, it will be interpreted as a stabilization trend, and the reform of social distancing can be considered."