No Social Distancing for Lunar New Year Holiday... "In-Person Visits Allowed at Nursing Facilities"

Free PCR Testing at 6 Expressway Rest Areas

Cho Gyu-hong, First Deputy Head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (Minister of Health and Welfare), is presiding over the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting on the 13th.
[Photo by Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] Following last year's Chuseok, there will be no social distancing during this year's Lunar New Year holiday either. In-person visits with residents of nursing facilities will be allowed, and the use of movie theaters, performance venues, and dining at highway rest stops will also be permitted.

Jo Gyu-hong, the first deputy head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) and Minister of Health and Welfare, stated in his opening remarks at the CDSCH meeting on the 13th, "The government has prepared a 'Special Lunar New Year Quarantine and Medical Plan' to ensure a safe and healthy Lunar New Year holiday."

Although there will be no social distancing, the government plans to operate a thorough quarantine system. During the holiday period, anyone can receive free COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests at six highway rest stops nationwide, including Anseong and Icheon rest stops. Enhanced quarantine measures for arrivals from China, Hong Kong, and Macau will continue throughout the holiday. A medical mobile task force capable of providing home visits will be operated to ensure protection of high-risk groups in infection-vulnerable facilities.

Guidance was also provided regarding medical use during the holiday. Deputy Head Jo said, "We operate over 5,800 one-stop medical institutions where testing, diagnosis, and prescriptions can be received in one place," adding, "We will ensure that anyone who is sick can receive treatment at any time through designated duty pharmacies and the operation of treatment beds for emergency and special patients." He also explained, "Public health center screening clinics and temporary screening clinics will operate normally."

The adjustment of the indoor mask-wearing mandate will be discussed at an expert meeting scheduled for the 17th next week to gather opinions. Deputy Head Jo urged, "Please check your health condition before visiting your hometown, and we ask seniors aged 60 and over to get vaccinated before the Lunar New Year holiday," adding, "We also hope everyone will adhere well to daily quarantine rules such as wearing masks, washing hands, and regular ventilation."