July: Metropolitan Area Level 2, Non-Metropolitan Area Level 1... Gathering Restrictions Apply Even After Vaccination (Comprehensive)

New Social Distancing Measures Applied from July... 2-Week Transition Period
Vaccinated Gatherings and Events Exempt from Capacity Limits, Assemblies Restricted

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] Starting from the 1st of next month, the Seoul metropolitan area will implement the new social distancing Level 2, while non-metropolitan areas will apply Level 1. However, to alleviate concerns about the sudden relaxation of quarantine measures, local governments except Chungcheongnam-do will undergo a two-week transition period and gradually shift according to regional circumstances. During this period, private gatherings of up to 6 people in the metropolitan area and up to 8 people in non-metropolitan areas will be allowed.

Son Young-rae, head of the Social Strategy Division at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, stated at the COVID-19 regular briefing on the 27th, "In the metropolitan area, gatherings of up to 6 people will be allowed for two weeks starting July 1, and after the 15th, gatherings of up to 8 people, which is the Level 2 standard, will be permitted. In non-metropolitan areas, except for Chungnam, most regions will apply the reorganization plan step-by-step with a two-week transition period."

He added, "Each local government will strengthen quarantine rules such as preemptive testing for workers in entertainment facilities and banning small gatherings in religious facilities, applying these measures for two weeks. Seoul is reviewing ways to further strengthen quarantine measures together with experts due to the large scale of the outbreak."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Metropolitan Area at Level 2, Non-Metropolitan Areas at Level 1... Two-Week Transition Period in Most Regions

The social distancing levels have been simplified from the previous five levels to four: ▲ Suppression (Level 1) ▲ Regional Outbreak & Capacity Limits (Level 2) ▲ Regional Epidemic & Gathering Ban (Level 3) ▲ Large-Scale Epidemic & Stay-at-Home Order (Level 4). The criteria for each level have been adjusted upward reflecting vaccination progress and strengthening of quarantine and medical capacity, and adjustments between Levels 1 to 3 are possible by region and local government.

First, the metropolitan area, where the outbreak scale is large, will apply Level 2. However, until the 14th of next month, there will be a transition period during which private gatherings are limited to 6 people.

Regarding Seoul, where the recent weekly average daily cases correspond to Level 3 but Level 2 is applied, Son explained, "The social distancing level and quarantine measures for Seoul are applied as part of the entire metropolitan area, which is treated as one unit, so the Level 2 standard applicable to the whole metropolitan area is applied. Applying these standards by city would reduce quarantine effectiveness due to high population mobility and large case numbers in the metropolitan area, causing a balloon effect. Therefore, the metropolitan area takes uniform measures."

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 social distancing will be applied. Son emphasized, "Currently, Daejeon is significantly affected by a cluster infection at a church last week, and if this is well managed, the city expects case numbers to decrease. This criterion is not a fixed physical standard but a matter to be decided by evaluating the outbreak situation, local medical system, and changes in the outbreak."

Regarding private gatherings, Busan Metropolitan City, Gwangju Metropolitan City, Daejeon Metropolitan City, Ulsan Metropolitan City, and Sejong Special Self-Governing City allow up to 8 people. Daegu Metropolitan City will announce separately on the 29th after discussions with local councils. Gangwon-do, Chungcheongbuk-do, Jeollabuk-do, Jeollanam-do, Gyeongsangbuk-do, and Gyeongsangnam-do also allow private gatherings of up to 8 people. Jeju allows gatherings of up to 6 people, and Chungcheongnam-do lifts restrictions on private gatherings. However, in pilot areas applying the social distancing reorganization plan in Gangwon-do, Jeollabuk-do, Gyeongsangbuk-do, and Gyeongsangnam-do, there are no restrictions on private gatherings.

For non-metropolitan areas applying Level 1, the capacity limits will be lifted after the two-week transition period. However, depending on the outbreak situation during these two weeks, local governments may decide to extend capacity limits or adjust social distancing levels.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Exclusion from Capacity Limits for Vaccinated Individuals Does Not Apply to Gatherings

Additionally, after announcing the social distancing reorganization plan on the 20th, authorities have revised some quarantine rules reflecting the current situation and field requests. From next month, fully vaccinated individuals will be excluded from capacity limits for private gatherings and events, but this exception does not apply to participation in gatherings (demonstrations). This is because risky behaviors such as shouting and singing frequently occur at gatherings, and it is difficult to distinguish between vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.

Quarantine rules for party rooms and sports facilities have been slightly relaxed. The capacity limits for sports facilities and GX-type facilities have been adjusted from 1 person per 6㎡ at Level 1 to 1 person per 4㎡, and from 1 person per 8㎡ at Levels 2 to 4 to 1 person per 6㎡. Party rooms must comply with the private gathering capacity limits by level but are allowed to operate and rent for party purposes with the condition that new entries are restricted after 10 PM.

Son emphasized, "With the relaxation of private gathering limits, there is a possibility of a surge in gatherings, so caution is necessary. It is advisable to refrain from large-scale gatherings with acquaintances you do not meet often in July, and especially avoid large-scale dinners or long indoor gatherings involving drinking at workplaces or clubs unless the majority are vaccinated, as this is safer."