[Issue Q&A] Gatherings of 11 or More Allowed Around January Next Year... Vaccine Pass Exemptions for Minors

Outdoor Mask Mandate Expected to Be Lifted Around January Next Year
COVID-19 Case Announcements to Continue Despite Gradual Return to Normal Life

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chun-hee] The 'gradual return to daily life (With Corona)' will begin next month. The government plans to ease quarantine measures in three stages at 4+2 week intervals starting from the 1st of next month, following the achievement of the vaccination completion goal of '70% of the population, 80% of adults.' Starting next month, up to 10 people will be allowed to gather in restaurants and cafes even at 11 p.m.

The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters of the Ministry of Health and Welfare held a 'Public Hearing on the COVID-19 Gradual Return to Daily Life Implementation Plan' at 2 p.m. on the 25th at the Korea Press Center and unveiled a draft government plan for the daily life recovery promotion strategy.

In this regard, we have summarized questions about the specific details of the gradual return to daily life plan.

Q. The limit on private gathering numbers changes to 10. How many unvaccinated people can gather?

A. Currently, if a private gathering includes unvaccinated people, only up to 4 people can gather. However, from next month, regardless of vaccination status, up to 10 people will be allowed to gather. Up to 10 unvaccinated people can gather as well. However, for restaurants and cafes, the number of unvaccinated people will be restricted. Specifically, the limit on unvaccinated gatherings is likely to be reduced from the current 4 people to 2-3 people.

Q. If up to 10 people can gather from next month, when will gatherings of 11 or more be allowed?

A. The complete removal of the private gathering limit is expected to occur at the last, third stage of the three-step quarantine easing. Considering that the government plans to implement each stage for 4 weeks followed by a 2-week evaluation, the full removal of the private gathering limit is expected around mid-January next year. However, this schedule may be moved forward or delayed depending on vaccination rates, severe cases or deaths, and healthcare system capacity.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Q. How long is a negative test certificate valid when issued to enter facilities requiring vaccination proof or negative confirmation?

A. A negative test certificate is valid for 48 hours after issuance. However, if 48 hours have passed, the certificate remains valid until midnight of the expiration day. For example, if the 48-hour mark falls at 3 p.m., the certificate can be used until midnight of that day.

Q. How should children and adolescents who have not yet been vaccinated enter facilities requiring vaccination proof or negative confirmation?

A. Authorities plan not to restrict the use of multi-use facilities for children and adolescents under 18 years old or adults who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons such as allergies, even if they have not completed vaccination. Those who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons can register at a public health center with a doctor's note or diagnosis, and thereafter verify this electronically.

Q. Some countries include COVID-19 recovered individuals in the 'vaccine pass.' Are recovered individuals included in Korea's vaccination proof and negative confirmation system?

A. They are not included. Domestic health authorities state that the number of recovered individuals is small, and since recovered individuals are also recommended to get vaccinated, those who have not been vaccinated will not be included in the vaccination proof and negative confirmation system. However, this is based on the draft, and the final plan to be announced on the 29th may include them.

Q. I understand that indoor mask-wearing is emphasized as the last quarantine rule to be lifted. Until when will outdoor mask-wearing remain mandatory?

A. The outdoor mask-wearing mandate is being considered for removal during the intermediate stage of the gradual return to daily life process. Currently, the plan to lift it in the second quarantine easing stage is being strongly considered.

Medical staff are spraying hand sanitizer at a temporary COVID-19 screening clinic set up at Seoul Station Plaza on the 25th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Q. Will daily confirmed case numbers continue to be announced in the same way after the gradual return to daily life plan is implemented?

A. Once the gradual return to daily life begins, evaluation indicators for COVID-19 status will shift to severe case incidence, mortality rate, bed occupancy rate, and vaccination completion rate. However, considering that these indicators may change about two weeks after a surge in confirmed cases, health authorities plan to continue monitoring confirmed case numbers. Therefore, as an important supplementary indicator, the confirmed case status will continue to be announced.

Q. If COVID-19 spreads during the gradual return to daily life and an emergency plan ('circuit breaker') is implemented, will the gradual return to daily life be reset?

A. If the emergency plan is activated, the daily life recovery plan will be suspended, and completely new strengthened quarantine measures will be implemented. This includes a significant expansion of the vaccination proof and negative confirmation system and the reinstatement of time restrictions on multi-use facilities. However, after the emergency plan is lifted, the system will return not to the first stage of daily life recovery but to the daily life recovery system that was in place before the emergency plan was implemented.