Additional Application Targets for Over 2,000 Stores Nationwide
[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] As the government extends social distancing measures for two weeks and mandates the use of the quarantine pass at department stores and large supermarkets, the distribution industry is reviewing additional measures such as expanding quarantine management personnel. Although the second dose vaccination rate has exceeded 80%, and there is no concern about a decrease in store visitors or sales, the policy aims to minimize inconveniences that may arise on-site, such as restrictions on unvaccinated customers.
The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters announced on the 31st of last month the extension of social distancing for two weeks and included large-scale stores (shops, marts, department stores) over 3,000㎡ as facilities subject to the quarantine pass. The measure will be implemented from the 10th, with a one-week grace period (January 10?16).
Until now, when entering department stores and large supermarkets, it was sufficient to complete electronic entry logs such as QR check-in or Safe Call regardless of vaccination history.
However, going forward, unvaccinated individuals without a quarantine pass will not be allowed to use department stores and large supermarkets. In the case of restaurants or cafes, vaccinated individuals can use them alone (one person), but this is not allowed in department stores and large supermarkets. However, unvaccinated individuals with a negative PCR test result within 48 hours and a quarantine release certificate, or those who cannot be vaccinated for health reasons with an 'exception confirmation,' will be considered as having a quarantine pass and allowed entry.
Business owners of department stores and large supermarkets who violate the quarantine pass regulations will be fined 1.5 million KRW for the first violation and 3 million KRW for the second violation. Users who violate quarantine pass-related regulations will be fined 100,000 KRW.
This measure reflects the government's judgment that department stores and large supermarkets can no longer be considered safe given customer density and other factors. The quarantine authorities estimate that about 2,000 marts nationwide are subject to the quarantine pass. Convenience stores and neighborhood supermarkets are not subject to the quarantine pass, so unvaccinated individuals have alternative means to use without restrictions.
A distribution industry official said, "We have instructed to recheck the vaccination completion status of headquarters employees and partner company employees working at each store," adding, "However, to verify the vaccination status of each visiting customer, additional personnel must be deployed at each entrance, so we are preparing internally."
Another official said, "Most of the main customers visiting department stores or large supermarkets have already been vaccinated, and since the quarantine pass was already applied to restaurants and cafes inside the stores, I am not sure whether introducing an additional vaccine pass will effectively prevent the spread of infection."
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