Prime Minister Kim: "Vaccination Rate Surpasses 70%... Full-scale Return to Normal Life in November"

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Son Seon-hee] The government plans to lift restrictions on operating hours for restaurants and cafes starting next month. With COVID-19 vaccination completion reaching 70% of the entire population this weekend, this milestone marks the official transition to 'gradual daily recovery (With Corona)'.

Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum announced on the 23rd via his social media (SNS), "Finally, more than 70% of the population has completed vaccination," adding, "Based on the adult population aged 18 and over, the rate has exceeded 80%."

Expressing gratitude to the public for cooperating with vaccination, Prime Minister Kim stated, "Starting November, the full journey toward daily recovery will begin." He added, "Beyond recovery from COVID-19, we will open a path of inclusive recovery that gently cares for and supports the vulnerable areas of our society."

The current social distancing measures, which allow operation until midnight in level 3 areas (non-metropolitan regions) and until 10 p.m. in level 4 areas (metropolitan regions), will end on the 31st of this month.

The gradual daily recovery starting next month is expected to prioritize easing restrictions for small business owners and self-employed individuals, such as those running restaurants and cafes, who have been severely impacted by existing quarantine measures.

However, these easing measures are likely to be applied first only to those who have completed vaccination. Prime Minister Kim said, "In the initial phase of daily recovery, quarantine standards should be relaxed primarily for those who have completed vaccination."

The government is expected to gradually expand the scope of daily recovery by comprehensively considering factors such as the proportion of critically ill patients and deaths. However, basic quarantine measures such as mask-wearing are likely to be maintained for the time being.