'Short and Intense' Failed... Prime Minister Kim Extends Social Distancing and Capacity Limits for 2 More Weeks (Update)

COVID-19 Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters Meeting

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Son Seon-hee] On the 6th, the government decided to extend the current social distancing measures, which apply 'Level 4 in the metropolitan area and Level 3 in non-metropolitan areas,' for an additional two weeks. Restrictions on the number of private gatherings will also be maintained. President Moon Jae-in had stated last month, when implementing Level 4 distancing in the metropolitan area, that "we will end it quickly and decisively," but as the quarantine situation has not improved, the measures have continued for six weeks.

Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum chaired the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting at the Government Seoul Office that morning and said, "After careful consideration, the government intends to extend the Level 4 distancing in the metropolitan area and Level 3 in non-metropolitan areas for two more weeks," adding, "Restrictions on the number of private gatherings will be applied as they are currently." However, Prime Minister Kim also stated, "Among the quarantine rules applied for about a month, adjustments will be made based on field opinions regarding aspects that need improvement in effectiveness and acceptability." Specific adjustment plans will be announced by the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters.

This decision by the government appears to be due to concerns that the number of new COVID-19 cases has not decreased amid increased travel during the recent vacation season, and that the upcoming Liberation Day holiday next week could trigger a resurgence. In particular, consideration was given to the fact that the elementary, middle, and high school reopening season is about two weeks away.

Prime Minister Kim emphasized, "We must create conditions that allow children to attend school safely," and added, "Starting from this second semester, we will do our utmost to stabilize quarantine measures during the remaining period so that children can study with their friends at school without worry."

As the high-intensity quarantine measures continue, small business owners and self-employed individuals are suffering greatly. Prime Minister Kim said, "Knowing the pain of small business owners and self-employed people who are struggling to survive day by day as customers disappear, I hesitated in making this extension decision," but added, "However, quarantine is the priority now, and quarantine is livelihood. Let's gather strength a little more to overcome this crisis as soon as possible."

Meanwhile, regarding some churches showing signs of holding large-scale illegal gatherings ahead of Liberation Day, Prime Minister Kim strongly warned, "The government will never tolerate acts that pour oil on the fire in the midst of the fourth wave." He continued, "The churches in question have repeatedly ignored quarantine rules and held in-person services, and closure measures are currently underway," adding, "Religious beliefs and political interests cannot take precedence over the lives and safety of the people."