[Exclusive] "Private gatherings of 8 people and business hours until midnight" ... Social distancing to be eased from next week

New Daily Cases First Reach 400,000s 'Record High'
Severe and Critical Cases Also Highest at 1,244

On the 14th, a clinic in Seoul was crowded with visitors seeking COVID-19 rapid antigen tests (RAT) after the policy change that allows a positive RAT result from local clinics to be confirmed as a COVID-19 diagnosis without a separate PCR test. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

The government will ease social distancing measures starting from the 21st, allowing private gatherings of up to 8 people and extending business hours until midnight. Due to the spread of the Omicron variant, the number of new COVID-19 cases has surpassed 400,000 for the first time. The number of critically ill patients also exceeded 1,200, setting a record high.

According to health authorities and the medical community on the 16th, the government has decided to slightly relax the current social distancing restrictions, which limit gatherings to 6 people and business hours until 11 PM, starting from the 21st. On that day, the Daily Recovery Support Committee will be held in writing to gather opinions from health and medical experts, small business owners, self-employed groups, and various sectors regarding the adjustment plan. After discussions with relevant ministries and local governments, the plan is expected to be finalized at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting on the morning of the 18th.

A medical official stated, "The number of critically ill and deceased patients is rapidly increasing, and the capacity of medical institutions has reached its limit, so we continue to oppose easing social distancing measures." However, "since the current government has already announced its intention to ease restrictions, it is understood that a compromise was reached to slightly relax the measures."

Since announcing the social distancing adjustment plan on the 4th, the government has clearly stated its policy to fully lift distancing measures next time. Concerned about additional damage to small business owners, and with the presidential election concluded, the government reportedly considered completely removing current restrictions on private gathering sizes and business hours for multi-use facilities.

However, considering medical experts' concerns that the spread has not yet peaked, the government reportedly agreed on a slight easing. Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum ordered, "Health authorities should discuss with the medical community the adjustment of the infectious disease classification, currently designated as 'Level 1,' to reflect the changed situation so that COVID-19 can be managed within the routine medical system," indicating a move toward endemicity of COVID-19.

As of midnight on the day, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases increased by 400,741, bringing the total to 7,629,275. The number of critically ill patients rose by 48 from the previous day (1,196) to 1,244, continuing the record-high trend.