Most Social Distancing Measures Lifted Starting Next Week... Announcement Tomorrow

On the 14th, one day before the government’s announcement of the social distancing adjustment plan and the normalization of quarantine and medical systems, citizens are moving around the food alley near Jonggak Station in Seoul. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Yoon-joo] The government has decided to lift most social distancing measures starting next week, including completely removing restrictions on the number of people allowed in private gatherings and the operating hours of restaurants and cafes. Events and assemblies can also be held without limits on the number of attendees, and eating and drinking will be permitted in movie theaters and performance venues.

According to the government on the 14th, starting next week, restrictions on private gatherings, operating hours of multi-use facilities, events and assemblies, and indoor eating will be eliminated.

Under the current distancing rules, private gatherings are limited to a maximum of 10 people, and the operating hours for 13 types of multi-use facilities classified as high-risk for COVID-19, such as restaurants, cafes, entertainment venues, and karaoke rooms, are limited until midnight.

Once distancing measures are lifted, gatherings without limits on the number of people will be allowed, and restaurants and similar establishments will be able to operate 24 hours a day. Currently, events and assemblies can be held with up to 299 people regardless of vaccination status, and non-regular performances, sports competitions, and festivals with 300 or more attendees require approval from relevant ministries, but these restrictions will be removed going forward.

Eating and drinking while removing masks inside movie theaters and performance venues is currently prohibited but is expected to be allowed starting next week.

On the 14th, many citizens are enjoying a walk around Cheonggyecheon in Seoul, where daily life, which had been restricted for over two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is expected to be eased to the point of near dismantling starting next week. The government plans to decide and announce adjustments to social distancing measures and plans to normalize quarantine and medical systems at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting on the 15th. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

The government considered removing most outdoor mask mandates starting next week, maintaining mask-wearing only at high-risk gatherings and events such as concerts or large-scale events where droplets can spread rapidly. However, due to the Presidential Transition Committee's cautious approach to lifting mask mandates, the timing of implementation is reportedly being reconsidered.

The government's move to lift most social distancing measures is based on the assessment that the Omicron variant wave has clearly entered a declining phase.

The government will finalize the adjustment plan for distancing measures at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters meeting on the morning of the 15th and announce detailed information through a briefing. The announcement will also include the 'Post-Omicron Response Plan,' covering adjustments to the COVID-19 infectious disease classification and medical response system.