Prime Minister Kim: "Non-capital areas also limited to gatherings of up to 4 people... Additional restrictions after 6 PM if cases rise" (Update)

COVID-19 Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters Meeting

Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum / Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Son Seonhee] Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum said on the 16th, "I ask each local government to discuss unifying the private gathering limit in non-metropolitan areas to 4 people," adding, "If the number of confirmed cases continues to rise, additional restrictions on gathering numbers after 6 p.m. may be inevitable in regions outside the metropolitan area."

On the morning of the same day, Prime Minister Kim chaired the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting at the Government Seoul Office and said, "Currently, the metropolitan area is under Level 4 social distancing, but in non-metropolitan areas, the allowed number of private gatherings varies by region?4, 6, or 8 people?causing confusion among the public." The daily new COVID-19 cases have been around 1,600 recently, and with the peak summer vacation season approaching, there are concerns about nationwide spread. Therefore, stronger quarantine measures are expected to be applied even in non-metropolitan areas currently at Levels 1 to 2.

Prime Minister Kim said, "We have no room to retreat any further, so we are implementing the strongest Level 4 social distancing in the metropolitan area and have raised the levels in non-metropolitan areas, but the crisis continues," urging, "All local governments nationwide should mobilize all means and methods to block the spread." He also decided to continue chairing the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meetings until the recent fourth wave subsides.

He emphasized again, "Confirmed cases are rapidly increasing even outside the metropolitan area," adding, "Considering the balloon effect and increased travel during the vacation season, nationwide strengthening of quarantine measures should also be reviewed." In particular, he said, "The recent positive test rates in the metropolitan area, Gwangju, Daejeon, and Chungnam are very high," and requested, "If deemed necessary, local governments should promptly establish additional temporary screening clinics. The government will actively support manpower and budget."

In the metropolitan area, religious events such as Buddhist ceremonies, worship services, and Mass have shifted to non-face-to-face formats. However, some churches are still planning in-person services ahead of the weekend. Regarding this, he appealed, "At this worst crisis, when everyone is joining forces, please refrain from actions that could endanger the community."

Prime Minister Kim urged, "Citizens should refrain from unnecessary outings and strictly follow quarantine rules such as wearing masks," and requested, "The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency should clearly inform the public that despite confusion in the vaccine reservation system, vaccinations will proceed without disruption."