From July, Social Distancing Revised... Up to 6 People in the Capital Area and 8 People in Non-Capital Areas Gather (Update)

Implementation Period Applied for 2 Weeks from July 1
Gatherings Allowed up to 6 People in Seoul Metropolitan Area and 8 People in Non-Metropolitan Areas

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] Starting next month, under the new social distancing system, Level 2 will be applied in the metropolitan area, and Level 1 will be applied in non-metropolitan areas. However, to reduce concerns about the rapid easing of quarantine vigilance, a two-week 'transition period' (July 1?14) will be set for most regions, with a gradual transition. During this period, private gatherings of up to 6 people will be allowed in the metropolitan area, and up to 8 people in non-metropolitan areas.

On the 27th, the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters decided on the 'Social Distancing Reform Application Plan by Local Governments' with these details. The new distancing system aims to establish a sustainable distancing framework by minimizing restrictions on economic activities, while strengthening local governments' autonomy and responsibility, and enhancing quarantine measures such as compliance with basic personal preventive rules.

The distancing levels will be simplified from the existing five levels to four levels: ▲ Suppression (Level 1) ▲ Regional outbreak and capacity limits (Level 2) ▲ Regional epidemic and gathering ban (Level 3) ▲ Large-scale epidemic and outing ban (Level 4). The criteria for each level will be raised, reflecting vaccination progress and strengthened quarantine and medical capacity, and adjustments between Levels 1 to 3 can be made by region and local governments.

First, the metropolitan area, where the outbreak scale is large, will apply Level 2. However, until July 14, there will be a transition period during which private gatherings are limited to 6 people. Accordingly, private gatherings in Seoul Special City, Incheon Metropolitan City, and Gyeonggi Province will be allowed up to 6 people.

Non-metropolitan areas will apply Level 1. Except for Chungcheongnam-do, all regions will undergo a two-week transition period. Although Daejeon and Sejong exceed Level 1 criteria, considering temporary increases due to cluster infections and medical capacity, Level 1 distancing will be applied.

By region, Busan Metropolitan City, Gwangju Metropolitan City, Daejeon Metropolitan City, Ulsan Metropolitan City, and Sejong Special Self-Governing City will allow private gatherings of up to 8 people. Daegu Metropolitan City will announce separately on the 29th after discussions with the regional consultative body. Gangwon-do, Chungcheongbuk-do, Jeollabuk-do, Jeollanam-do, Gyeongsangbuk-do, and Gyeongsangnam-do will also allow private gatherings of up to 8 people. Jeju will allow gatherings of up to 6 people, and Chungcheongnam-do will lift restrictions on private gatherings. However, in the pilot areas for the distancing reform in Gangwon-do, Jeollabuk-do, Gyeongsangbuk-do, and Gyeongsangnam-do, there are no restrictions on private gatherings.

Authorities adjusted some quarantine rules after reflecting on the quarantine situation and field requests following the announcement of the distancing reform plan on the 20th. Regarding the religious sector's request for an exemption from mask-wearing for vaccinated preachers, mask-wearing will be maintained, and a re-discussion will be held in mid-July considering the quarantine situation and vaccination rates.

Additionally, vaccinated individuals will be exempt from limits on the number of people at private gatherings and events, but exceptions will not apply to participation in assemblies. This is due to the frequent risky behaviors such as shouting and singing during assemblies and the difficulty in distinguishing between vaccinated and unvaccinated participants.

Quarantine rules for party rooms and sports gyms have been reorganized to reflect reality. For sports gyms and GX-type facilities, capacity limits by level will be relaxed. Accordingly, the existing Level 1 limit of one person per 6㎡ will be adjusted to one person per 4㎡, and the Level 2 to 4 limit of one person per 8㎡ will be adjusted to one person per 6㎡. Party rooms will comply with the private gathering limits by level, and operation and rental for party purposes will be allowed on the condition that new entries are restricted after 10 p.m.