From the 26th, Gyeongbuk to Pilot Revised Social Distancing Measures... "Private Gatherings of Up to 8 People Allowed" (Update)

Targeting 12 Counties in Gyeongbuk with Populations Under 100,000

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] The government will pilot a new social distancing system targeting 12 counties in Gyeongsangbuk-do with populations under 100,000. Accordingly, gatherings of up to 8 people will be allowed for one week starting from midnight on the 26th.

Yoon Tae-ho, head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters' quarantine team, stated at the COVID-19 regular briefing on the 23rd, "From next Monday, a new distancing system will be piloted in 12 counties in Gyeongsangbuk-do, including Gunwi, Uiseong, Cheongsong, and Ulleung," adding, "After comprehensively reviewing the conditions, we will pilot the first stage of the new distancing system, while simultaneously implementing quarantine measures tailored to regional characteristics, such as banning small religious gatherings and strengthening quarantine at tourist sites."

According to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, the total number of domestically transmitted confirmed cases in the 12 counties of Gyeongsangbuk-do (Gunwi, Uiseong, Cheongsong, Yeongyang, Yeongdeok, Cheongdo, Goryeong, Seongju, Yecheon, Bonghwa, Uljin, Ulleung) this month is 14, averaging less than one case per day, indicating a stable situation. These areas cover 15 times the area of Seoul but have only 4.3% of its population, resulting in a population density that is just 0.3% of Seoul’s. This means the risk of infection spread in case of COVID-19 occurrence is relatively low.

Gyeongsangbuk-do plans to pilot the first stage of the revised social distancing plan. The pilot period will run from midnight on the 26th until midnight on the 2nd of next month, lasting one week with the possibility of extension. Stage 1 measures do not restrict private gatherings, but to prevent excessive relaxation of quarantine, the 'private gatherings allowed up to 8 people (Stage 2 measure)' will be applied. However, local governments will strengthen quarantine measures separately for private gatherings and religious activities, considering regional risk levels. Measures such as restricting religious facility meetings, meals, and accommodations may be implemented, taking into account the risk of infection spread from elderly religious activities and gatherings or travel by residents from other areas for religious events.

Special quarantine management reflecting regional characteristics will also be strengthened. The aging rate in the pilot areas is 35.3%, twice the national average of 16.6%. Accordingly, Gyeongsangbuk-do will enhance continuous quarantine inspections and conduct twice-daily temperature checks for users at elderly facilities (140 locations) such as nursing homes and day care centers, and expand proactive testing for workers at nursing hospitals, facilities, and elderly and disabled care centers.

For the pilot areas, the current ban on private gatherings of five or more people applied elsewhere will be changed to a ban on gatherings of nine or more. Residents registered in other local governments will also be allowed to gather up to 8 people in the pilot areas. Son Young-rae, head of the Social Strategy Team at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, explained, "In Seoul, the metropolitan area, and regions not participating in the pilot project, gatherings of five or more people are prohibited, and if such gatherings are detected, the local government will impose penalties according to the law. However, in the pilot regions, gatherings of up to 8 people will be allowed. This is applied by region, not based on the origin of individuals."

On the day when the domestic COVID-19 confirmed cases approached 800 with 797 cases, concerns were raised that the relaxed distancing system in some areas might weaken quarantine awareness. In response, Yoon said, "While preparing and considering how to apply the revised distancing plan, a proposal was made to pilot it first in Gyeongsangbuk-do," adding, "Although the number of patients is increasing, various discussions have been held on how to handle these issues in Gyeongsangbuk-do." He further stated, "Applying the first stage of the new distancing plan means that, considering the current increase in cases, more strengthened measures and thorough quarantine enhancements will be implemented, and Gyeongsangbuk-do will be the first to apply the revised plan."